© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. 6.0 Introduction  Do you know when the first laptops were developed? Who do you think used the early zlaptops? One of the original laptops was the GRiD Compass 1101. It was used by astronauts on space missions in the early 1980s. It weighed 11 lb (5 kg) and cost US $8,000 - $10,000! Laptops today often weigh less than one-half the weight and cost less than one-third the price of the GRiD. The compact design, convenience, and evolving technology of laptops have made them as popular as desktops. Laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and Smartphones are becoming more popular as their prices decrease and technology continues to progress. As a computer technician, you need to have knowledge of portable devices of all kinds. This chapter focuses on the differences between laptops and desktops and describes the features of PDAs and Smartphones. After completing this chapter, you will meet these objectives: list of 7 items • Describe laptops and other portable devices. • Identify and describe the components of a laptop. • Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components. • Explain how to configure laptops. • Compare the different mobile phone standards. • Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices. • Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices. list end 6.1 Describe laptops and other portable devices  Note: Notebooks, laptops, and tablets are types of portable computers. For clarity and consistency in this course, all portable computers will be called laptops. Laptops Early laptops were heavy and expensive. Today, laptops are very popular because advances in technology have resulted in laptops that cost less, weigh less, and have improved capabilities. Many laptops can be configured with an additional video port, a FireWire port, an infrared port, or an integrated camera. PDAs and Smartphones PDAs and Smartphones are examples of portable, hand-held devices that are becoming more popular. PDAs offer features such as games, web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging, and many other features offered by PCs. Smartphones are cell phones with many built-in PDA capabilities. PDAs and Smartphones can run some of the same software as laptops. After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 2 items • Identify some common uses of laptops. • Identify some common uses of PDAs and Smartphones. list end content frame end navigation frame images/index_up images/quiz_up images/glossary_up images/back_up images/next_up navigation frame end  6.1   Describe laptops and other portable devices       6.1.1   Identify some common uses of laptops    table end The most significant feature of a laptop is its compact size. The design of the laptop places the keyboard, screen, and internal components into a small, portable case. Another popular feature of the laptop is its portability. A rechargeable battery allows the laptop to function when it is disconnected from an AC power source. The first laptops were used primarily by business people who needed to access and enter data when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited due to expense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops. Today, laptops have lower prices and increased capabilities. A laptop is now a real alternative to a desktop computer. Here are some common uses for the laptop: list of 7 items • Taking notes in school or researching papers • Presenting information in business meetings • Accessing data away from home or the office • Playing games while traveling • Watching movies while traveling • Accessing the Internet in a public place • Sending and receiving e-mail in a public place list end Can you think of other uses for laptops?  6.1   Describe laptops and other portable devices       6.1.2   Identify some common uses of PDAs and Smartphones    table end The concept of the PDA has existed since the 1970s. The earliest models were computerized personal organizers designed to have a touch screen or a keyboard. Today, some models have both a touch screen and a keyboard and use an operating system that is similar to operating systems used on desktop computers. The PDA is an electronic personal organizer with tools to help organize information: list of 6 items • Address book • Calculator • Alarm clock • Internet access • E-mail • Global positioning list end The Smartphone is a mobile phone with PDA capabilities. Smartphones combine cell phone and computer functions in a single, handheld device. The technology of the PDA and the technology of the Smartphone continue to merge. Smartphones may include these additional options: list of 5 items • Built-in camera • Document access • E-mail • Abbreviated note-taking • Television list end Smartphone connectivity and PDA connectivity include Bluetooth and regular USB cable connections. Can you think of other uses for the PDA and the Smartphone?   Worksheet Laptop, Smartphone, and PDA Research laptop, Smartphone, and PDA specifications 6.2 Identify and describe the components of a laptop  What are some common laptop features? list of 6 items • They are small and portable. • They have an integrated display screen in the lid. • They have an integrated keyboard in the base. • They run on AC power or a rechargeable battery. • They support hot-swappable drives and peripherals. • Most laptops can use docking stations and port replicators to connect peripherals. list end In this section, you will look closely at the components of a laptop. You will also examine a docking station. Remember, laptops and docking stations come in many models. Components may be located in different places on different models. After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 3 items • Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop. • Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop. • Describe the components found on the laptop docking station. list end  6.2   Identify and describe the components of a laptop       6.2.1   Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop    table end Laptop and desktop computers use the same types of ports so that peripherals can be interchangeable. These ports are specifically designed for connecting peripherals, providing network connectivity, and providing audio access. Ports, connections, and drives are located on the front, back, and sides of the laptop due to the compact design. Laptops contain PC Card or ExpressCard slots to add functionality such as more memory, a modem, or a network connection. Laptops require a port for external power. Laptops can operate using either a battery or an AC power adapter. This port can be used to power the computer or to charge the battery. There are status indicators, ports, slots, connectors, bays, jacks, vents, and a keyhole on the exterior of the laptop. Click the highlighted areas in Figures 1 to 7 to discover additional information about each of these components. Figure 1 shows three LEDs on the top of the laptop. Click the three highlighted areas for more information about what the LEDs indicate: list of 3 items 1. Bluetooth 2. Battery 3. Standby list end NOTE: LED displays vary among laptops. Technicians should consult the laptop manual for a list of specific status displays.   Figure 2 shows three components on the back of the laptop. Click the three highlighted areas for more information about the components: list of 3 items 1. Parallel port 2. AC power connector 3. Battery bay list end A laptop operates using either a battery or an AC power adapter. Laptop batteries are manufactured in various shapes and sizes. They use different types of chemicals and metals to store power. Refer to Figure 3 to compare rechargeable batteries.  The left side of the laptop shown in Figure 4 has ten components. Click the ten highlighted areas for more information about the components: list of 10 items 1. Security keyhole 2. USB 3. S-video connector 4. Modem 5. Ethernet 6. Network LEDs 7. Stereo headphone jack 8. Microphone jack 9. Ventilation 10. PC combo expansion slot list end The front of the laptop shown in Figure 5 has the components listed here. Click the four highlighted areas for more information about the components: list of 4 items 1. Ventilation 2. Speakers 3. Infrared port 4. Laptop latch list end The right side of the laptop shown in Figure 6 contains four components. Click the four highlighted areas for more information about the components: list of 4 items 1. VGA port 2. Drive bay status indicator 3. Optical status indicator 4. Optical drive list end The bottom of the laptop shown in Figure 7 has the components listed here. Click the four highlighted areas for more information about the components: list of 4 items 1. Docking station connector 2. Battery latches 3. RAM access panel 4. Hard drive access panel list end   Optional Activity: Virtual Laptop Explore Laptop System requirements for the virtual laptop include a minimum of 512MB RAM and Windows 2000 or XP operating system. Explore the different views of the virtual laptop    6.2   Identify and describe the components of a laptop       6.2.2   Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop    table end Laptops have a "clamshell" design. Typically, the laptop is closed when not in use. By opening the lid of the laptop, you can access a variety of input devices, LEDs, and a display screen. There are several input devices available when the laptop lid is open. Click the five highlighted areas in Figure 1 for more information about the input devices: list of 5 items 1. Keyboard 2. Input devices 3. Fingerprint reader 4. Volume controls 5. Power button list end Refer to Figure 1. Do you know which of those devices perform the following functions? list of 6 items • Move the pointer • Turn up the volume • Log on to the laptop • Type a document • Turn on the laptop • Switch to external monitor list end Can you think of other information you may input?  At the bottom of the screen is a row of LEDs that shows the status of specific functions. Click the eight highlighted areas in Figure 2 for more information on these LEDs: list of 8 items 1. Wireless 2. Bluetooth 3. Num Lock 4. Caps Lock 5. Hard drive activity 6. Power on 7. Battery status 8. Hibernate/Standby list end NOTE: Indicators may vary by laptop. A laptop monitor is a built-in LCD. It is similar to a desktop LCD monitor, except that the resolution, brightness, and contrast settings can be adjusted using software or button controls. The laptop monitor cannot be adjusted for height and distance because it is integrated into the lid of the case. A desktop monitor can be added to a laptop. A function key on the laptop keyboard toggles between the laptop display and the desktop monitor, as shown in Figure 3. On many laptops, a small pin on the laptop cover contacts a switch when the case is closed, called an LCD cutoff switch. The LCD cutoff switch tells the CPU to conserve power by extinguishing the backlight and turning off the LCD. If this switch breaks or is dirty, the LCD will remain dark while the laptop is open. Carefully clean this switch to restore normal operation.  Optional Activity: Virtual Laptop Keyboard System requirements for the virtual laptop include a minimum of 512MB RAM and Windows 2000 or XP operating system. Explore the virtual laptop keyboard    6.2   Identify and describe the components of a laptop       6.2.3   Describe the components found on the laptop docking station    table end A base station is a device that attaches to AC power and to desktop peripherals. When you plug the laptop into the base station, you have convenient access to power and the attached peripherals. There are two types of base stations: docking stations and port replicators. Docking stations and port replicators are used for the same purpose. Port replicators are usually smaller than docking stations and do not have speakers or PCI slots. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a docking station. Click the three highlighted areas in Figure 1 for more information about components on the top of the docking station: list of 3 items 1. Power button 2. Eject button 3. Laptop connector list end Some docking stations include the following drive bays and ports to provide additional functionality: list of 5 items • Parallel • USB • Ethernet • Video • Audio list end The back of the docking station contains ports and connectors used to attach to desktop peripherals such as a mouse, a monitor, or a printer. A vent is also necessary to expel hot air from the docking station. Click the 15 highlighted areas in Figure 2 for more information about the components located on the back of the docking station: list of 15 items 1. Exhaust vent 2. AC power connector 3. PC Card/ExpressCard slot 4. VGA port 5. DVI port 6. Line In connector 7. Headphone connector 8. USB port 9. Mouse port 10. Keyboard port 11. External-diskette-drive connector 12. Parallel port 13. Serial port 14. Modem port 15. Ethernet port list end Secure the laptop to the docking station with a key lock. Click the highlighted areas in Figure 3 for more information about the key lock located on the right side of the docking station.  Worksheet Laptop Docking Stations True/False statements about docking stations Optional Activity: Virtual Laptop Docking Station System requirements for the virtual laptop include a minimum of 512MB RAM and Windows 2000 or XP operating system. Explore the different views of the docking station 6.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components  Most of the functions that a desktop can perform can also be performed by a laptop. However, these two kinds of computers are built very differently and the parts are not interchangeable. As an example, a plane and a helicopter can each travel to the same destination, but they cannot be repaired with the same spare parts. This is also true for laptops and desktops. Few components can be shared between desktops and laptops.   Desktop components tend to be standardized. They usually meet universal form factors. Desktops made by different manufacturers can often use the same components. A DVD/CD-RW drive is an example of a desktop component that has a standard form factor.   Laptop components are much more specialized than desktop components. This difference is because laptop manufacturers focus on refining laptop components to make them more efficient and compact. As a result, manufacturers design laptop components to follow their own specific form factors. Laptop components are proprietary. As a result, you may not be able to use components made by one laptop manufacturer to repair a laptop made by another manufacturer.   NOTE: Technicians may have to obtain certification for each laptop manufacturer that they support.   After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 4 items • Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards. • Compare and contrast desktop and laptop processors. • Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management. • Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities. list end  6.3   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components       6.3.1   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards    table end Desktop motherboards have standard form factors. The standard size and shape allow motherboards from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. Laptop motherboards vary by manufacturer and are proprietary. When you repair a laptop, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a replacement motherboard from the manufacturer of the laptop. Figure 1 shows a desktop motherboard and a laptop motherboard. Laptop motherboards and desktop motherboards are designed differently. Components designed for a laptop generally cannot be used in a desktop. Figure 2 shows a few examples of the design differences.  6.3   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components       6.3.2   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop processors    table end The central processing unit (CPU), or processor, is the brain of the computer. The CPU interprets and processes instructions that are used to manipulate data. Laptop processors are designed to use less power and create less heat than desktop processors. As a result, laptop processors do not require cooling devices that are as large as those found in desktops. Laptop processors also use CPU throttling to modify the clock speed as needed to reduce power consumption and heat. This results in a slight decrease in performance. It also increases the lifespan of some components. These specially designed processors allow laptops to operate for a longer period of time when using a battery power source. Figure 1 shows laptop processor specifications. NOTE: Technicians should refer to the laptop manual for processors that can be used as replacement processors and for processor replacement instructions. graphic needs checking Laptop CPUs Laptop CPUs Processor Actual Speed Intel® Core™ Duo processor L2400 (Low Voltage) L2 Cache Thermal Design Power Guideline 1.66 GHz Intel® Core™ Duo processor U2500 (Ultra Low Voltage) 2M 15 Watts 1.20 GHz Intel® Pentium® M Processor Low Voltage 778 2M 17 Watts 1.60 GHz Intel® Core™ Duo processor U2400 (Ultra Low Voltage) 2M 15 Watts 1.06 GHz Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T7600 2M 9 Watts 2.33 GHz Intel® Core™ Duo processor U2500 (Ultra Low Voltage) 4M 34 Watts 1.83 GHz Intel® Pentium® M Processor 780 2M 27 Watts 2.26 GHz 2M 27 Watts  6.3   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components       6.3.3   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management    table end Power management controls the flow of electricity to the components of a computer. Desktops are usually set up in a location where they remain plugged into a power source. Desktop power management distributes electricity from the source to the components of the desktop. There is also a small battery in the desktop that provides electricity to maintain the internal clock and BIOS settings when the desktop is powered off. Laptops are small and portable. This portability feature is achieved by combining the small size and weight of a laptop with the ability to operate from a battery. When the laptop is plugged in, laptop power management sends electricity from the AC power source to the laptop components. The laptop power management also recharges the battery. When the laptop is unplugged, laptop power management takes electricity from the battery and sends it to the laptop components.   There are two methods of power management: list of 2 items • Advanced Power Management (APM) • Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) list end APM is an earlier version of power management. With APM, the BIOS was used to control the settings for power management.   ACPI has replaced APM. ACPI offers additional power management features. With ACPI, the operating system controls power management.    6.3   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components       6.3.4   Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities    table end Expansion capabilities add functionality to a computer. Many expansion devices can be used with both laptops and desktops: list of 6 items • External drives • Modems • Network cards • Wireless adapters • Printers • Other peripherals list end Expansion devices are attached to laptops and desktops differently. A desktop attaches these devices with serial, parallel, USB, and FireWire ports. A laptop attaches these devices with the same ports and PC Cards. The standardized use of USB and FireWire ports makes it possible to connect many types of external components to laptops, docking stations, port replicators, and desktops. The USB and FireWire standards make it possible to connect and remove external components without the need to power off the system. USB and FireWire ports are used to connect a range of external components: list of 10 items • Printers • Scanners • Floppy disk drives • Mice • Cameras • Keyboards • Hard drives • Flash drives • Optical drives • MP3 players list end Laptops and desktops have similar expansion capabilities. It is the difference in form factor between the computers that determines which type of expansion device is used. Desktops have internal bays that support 5.25" and 3.5" drives. Additionally, there is space to install other permanent expansion drives. Laptops have limited space; therefore, the expansion bays on laptops are designed to allow different types of drives to fit into the same bay. Drives are hot-swappable and are inserted or removed as needed. Figure 1 shows a comparison of desktop and laptop expansion components.  Laptops use the PC Card slot to add functionality. The PC Card slot uses an open standard interface to connect to peripheral devices using the CardBus standard. Here are some examples of devices that connect using PC Cards: list of 4 items • Memory • Modems • Hard drives • Network cards list end PC Cards follow the PCMCIA standard. They come in three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Each type of PC Card is different in size and can attach to different devices. A newer type of PC Card is called the PC ExpressCard. Figure 2 shows a comparison of PC Cards and PC ExpressCards. The PC ExpressCard has 34-pin and 54-pin configurations. Figure 3 shows an example of a PC Card and PC ExpressCards. Suppose that you need to purchase a wireless NIC for a laptop. Which type of PC Card would you select?     Worksheet Laptop Expansion Fill in the blank for laptop specifications this graphic needs work Laptop and Desktop Expansion Components Laptop and Desktop Expansion Components Laptops Components Desktops External Ports (USB, Parallel, Video, Firewire, Serial) PC Card Integrated External Ports (USB, Parallel, Video, Firewire, Serial) Integrated Adapter Card External Monitor Printer Keyboard Mouse External Drives Ethernet NIC Wireless NIC CD/DVD Drives Drive controllers 6.4 Explain how to configure laptops  To allow applications and processes to run smoothly, it may be necessary to configure and allocate system resources, install additional components and plug-ins, or change environmental settings to match software requirements. Adding external components is usually accomplished through the use of Plug and Play, but occasionally driver installation and additional configuration may be required. Proper configuration of the power settings will help you get the maximum performance from a laptop, such as increasing the length of time the laptop can be used on battery power.   With laptops, it may be necessary to exchange components as needed to accomplish different tasks and respond to changing situations and needs. A laptop can be customized for specific purposes by adding external components. For example, a second hard drive can be installed in a laptop to provide additional storage capacity. Components need to be carefully inserted or connected to bays, connectors, and proprietary expansion areas to avoid damage to the equipment. It is important to follow safe removal procedures when disconnecting hot-swappable and non-hot-swappable devices.   After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 2 items • Describe how to configure power settings. • Describe the safe installation and removal of laptop components.  6.4   Explain how to configure laptops       6.4.1   Describe how to configure power settings    table end One of the most popular features of a laptop is the ability to operate using batteries. This feature allows laptops to operate in locations where AC power is not available or is inconvenient. Advances in power management and battery technology are increasing the time that laptop users can remain disconnected from AC power. Current batteries can last anywhere between 2 to 10 hours without recharging. Managing the power by configuring the power settings on a laptop is important to ensure that the battery charge is used efficiently.   The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) standards create a bridge between the hardware and OS and allow technicians to create power management schemes to get the best performance from the computer. The ACPI standards can be applicable to most computers, but they are particularly important when managing power in laptops. Click the power states in Figure 1 to view more information about each power state. Technicians frequently are required to configure power settings by changing the settings found in BIOS. Configuring power settings in BIOS affects the following conditions: list of 4 items • System states • Battery and AC modes • Thermal management • CPU PCI bus power management list end Figure 2 shows an example of power settings in BIOS.  NOTE: When working in Windows XP, the ACPI power management mode must be enabled in BIOS to allow the OS to configure all of the power management states.  NOTE: There is no standard name for each power management state. Manufacturers may use different names for the same state.  Here are the steps to check the ACPI settings in the BIOS: list of 4 items 1. Enter BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key or key combination while the computer is booting. Typically this is the Delete key or the F2 key, but there are several other options. 2. Locate and enter the Power Management settings menu item. 3. Use the appropriate keys to enable ACPI mode. 4. Save and exit BIOS setup. list end NOTE: These steps are common to most laptops and should be used only as a guideline. Be sure to check your laptop manual for specific configuration settings.  The Power Options feature in Windows XP allows you to reduce the power consumption of a number of devices or of the entire system. Use Power Options to control the power management features of the following: list of 4 items • Hard Drive • Display • Shut Down, Hibernate, and Standby modes • Low-battery warnings list end Configuring Power Settings in Windows XP You can adjust power management by using Power Options in the Control Panel. The Power Options displays only the options that can be controlled. Note: Power Options will automatically detect devices that may be unique to your computer. Therefore, the Power Options windows may vary by the hardware that is detected.  To configure your power settings, click: Start > Control Panel > Power Options Power Schemes Power Schemes are a collection of settings that manage the power usage of the computer. Both the hard drive and the display consume large amounts of power. They can be configured under the Power Schemes tab.  When you open Power Options, you will notice that Windows XP has preset power schemes. These are the default settings and were created when Windows XP was installed. You can use the default Power Schemes or create customized schemes that are based on specific work requirements. Figure 3 shows the Power Scheme set for a laptop. Customize the Display and Hard Drive Power Setting In this scenario, the student needs access to the display, but rarely accesses the hard drive. For example; a student that uses a laptop for research on the Internet, but does not create or save files often. Power Management for the Hard Drive One of the biggest power consumers on a laptop is the hard drive. In our example, the hard drive is not accessed often. The “Turn off hard disks” time is set for 1 hour when the laptop is plugged in, and 3 minutes when the laptop is “Running on batteries”. You decide that the default settings for the Standby and Hibernate modes are acceptable and no changes are made. Power Schemes can be saved with a customized name. Saving the Power Scheme with a custom name allows the user to easily switch back to the default settings. In this example, save the Power Scheme settings as “Research” as shown in Figure 4. Setting the Laptop to the Standby or Hibernate Sleep State If you do not want to completely shut down the laptop, you have two options: Standby and Hibernate. list of 2 items • Standby – Documents and applications are saved in RAM, allowing the computer to power on quickly. • Hibernate – Documents and applications are saved to a temporary file on the hard drive, and will take a little longer than Standby to power on. list end Figure 5 shows Hibernate enabled in the Power Options properties.  Adjusting Low Battery Warnings In Windows XP, you can set the low battery warnings. There are two levels: Low Battery Alarm and Critical Battery Alarm. The Low Battery Alarm will warn you that the battery is low. The Critical Battery Alarm will initiate a forced standby, hibernate, or shut down, as shown in Figure 6.     Worksheet ACPI Standards Select the ACPI standard for each characteristic    6.4   Explain how to configure laptops       6.4.2   Describe the safe installation and removal of laptop components    table end There are a number of components on a laptop that may need to be replaced. Remember always to make sure that you have the correct replacement component and tools as recommended by the manufacturer. Some components are hot-swappable, which means that they can be removed and replaced while the computer is on. These are some components that may need to be replaced: list of 5 items • Battery • Optical drive • Hard drive • Memory • PC cards list end Figure 1 shows an example of a laptop.  NOTE: Each laptop manufacturer uses unique hardware installation and removal procedures. Check the laptop manual for specific installation information and follow safety installation and ESD precautions.  CAUTION: Always disconnect power and remove the battery before installing or removing laptop components that are not hot-swappable.  Battery Replacement Steps [Figure 2] Remove the battery from the battery bay: list of 2 items 1. Move the battery lock to the unlocked position. 2. Hold the release lever in the unlock position and remove the battery. list end Install the battery into the battery bay: list of 2 items 1. Insert the battery. 2. Make sure that both battery levers are locked. list end Optical Drive Replacement Steps [Figure 3] Remove the DVD/CD-RW drive: list of 3 items 1. Press the button to open the drive and remove any media in the drive. Close the tray. 2. Slide the latch to release the lever that secures the drive. 3. Pull on the lever to expose the drive. Remove the drive. list end Install the DVD/CD-RW drive: list of 2 items 1. Insert the drive securely. 2. Push the lever inward. list end Hard Drive Replacement Steps [Figure 4] Remove the hard drive: list of 3 items 1. On the bottom of the laptop, remove the screw that holds the hard drive in place. 2. Slide the assembly outward. Remove the hard drive assembly. 3. Remove the hard drive faceplate from the hard drive. list end Install the hard drive: list of 3 items 1. Attach the hard drive faceplate to the hard drive. 2. Slide the hard drive into the hard drive bay. 3. On the bottom of the laptop, install the screw that holds the hard drive in place. list end Expansion Memory Replacement Steps [Figure 5] Laptop expansion memory is also called SODIMM. Remove the existing SODIMM if there are no available slots for the new SODIMM: list of 3 items 1. Remove screw to expose the SODIMM. 2. Press outward on the clips that hold the sides of the SODIMM. 3. Lift up to loosen the SODIMM from the slot and remove the SODIMM. list end Install the SODIMM: list of 3 items 1. Align the notch at a 45-degree angle. 2. Gently press down until clips lock. 3. Replace cover and install screw. list end PC Expansion Card Replacement Steps [Figure 6] Remove the PC expansion card: list of 1 items 1. Press the top eject button to release the PC expansion card. list end NOTE: There are two buttons. The bottom blue button ejects the Type II PC card. Install the PC expansion card: list of 2 items 1. Press the blue button inward. 2. Insert the PC expansion card into the express slot. list end CAUTION: On some laptops, the PC Card, Optical Drive, and USB devices are hot-swappable. However, the internal hard drive, RAM and battery are NOT hot-swappable.  Hot-Swappable Device Removal Steps list of 3 items 1. Left-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray to ensure that the device is not in use. 2. Left-click the device that you want to remove. A message pops up to tell you that it is safe to remove the device. 3. Remove the hot-swappable device from the laptop. list end   Optional Activity: Virtual Laptop Components and Devices System requirements for the virtual laptop include a minimum of 512MB RAM and Windows 2000 or XP operating system. Replace components and devices in the virtual laptop 6.5 Compare the different mobile phone standards  When people began to use cell phones, there were few industry-wide standards applying to cell phone technology. Without standards, it was difficult and expensive to make calls to people that were on another network. Today, cell phone providers use industry standards, which make it easier to use cell phones to make calls.  When the industry started, most cell phone standards were analog. Today, cell phone standards are mostly digital.  NOTE: Cell phone standards have not been adopted uniformly around the world. Some cell phones are capable of using multiple standards, whereas others can use only one standard. As a result, some cell phones can operate in many countries and other cell phones can only be used locally.  The first generation (1G) of cell phones began service in the 1980s. First-generation phones primarily used analog standards, including Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT). In an analog system, the voice information is sent by varying the radio signals used by the phone in the same pattern as the speakers’ voices. Unfortunately, this means that interference and noise, which also vary the signal, cannot easily be separated from the voice in the signal. This factor limits the usefulness of analog systems. Digital signals convert the speakers’ voices into a series of ones and zeros. This technology degrades the signal a little, because ones and zeros are not a faithful representation of your voice. However, the digital signal is robust. It can be fixed using error correction routines if there is interference. Also, digital signals can be compressed, making the systems much more efficient than analog. In the 1990s, the second generation (2G) of cell phones was marked by a switch from analog to digital standards. Second-generation cell standards included Global System for Mobile (GSM), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Third-generation standards enable cell phones to go beyond simple voice and data communications. It is now common for cell phones to send and receive text, photos, and video. It is also common for 3G cell phones to access the Internet and to use the Global Positioning System (GPS). NOTE: As 3G cell phone standards were being developed, extensions to the existing 2G standards were added. These transitional standards are known as 2.5G standards.  Fourth-generation (4G) standards have been championed by many users, in response to the availability of increased data rates. Higher data rates will allow users to download files, such as video and music, faster than what was available with standards of previous generations. Click the five generation tabs in Figure 1 to view more information about the different cell phone standards.  New technologies that add multimedia and networking functionality can be bundled with cell phone standards. Figure 2 lists common technologies that may be added to the cell phone bundle of services. Most cell phone providers will charge extra for adding these features.    Cell Phone Standards Cell Phone Standards Internet Standard: Purpose Short Message Service (SMS): Used for text messaging Multimedia Message : Service (MMS): Used for sending and receiving photos and videos Packet Switching: Used for accessing the Internet 6.6 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices  Because laptops are mobile, they are used in different types of environments. Some environments can be hazardous to a laptop. Even eating or drinking around a laptop creates a potentially hazardous condition.  Consider what would happen if a drink were spilled onto the keyboard of a laptop. Many components are placed in a very small area directly beneath the keyboard. Spilling liquid or dropping debris onto the keyboard can result in severe internal damage.  It is important to keep a laptop clean and to ensure that it is being used in the most optimal environment possible. This section covers preventive maintenance techniques for the laptop.  After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 2 items • Identify appropriate cleaning procedures. • Identify optimal operating environments.  6.6   Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices       6.6.1   Identify appropriate cleaning procedures    table end Proper routine cleaning is the easiest, least expensive way to protect and to extend the life of a laptop. It is very important to use the right products and procedures when cleaning a laptop. Always read all warning labels on the cleaning products. The components are very sensitive and should be handled with care. Consult the laptop manual for additional information and cleaning suggestions.   Laptop Keyboard Cleaning Procedures list of 5 items 1. Turn off the laptop. 2. Disconnect all attached devices. 3. Disconnect laptop from the electrical outlet. 4. Remove all installed batteries. 5. Wipe laptop and keyboard with a soft, lint-free cloth that is lightly moistened with water or computer-screen cleaner. list end Ventilation Cleaning Procedures list of 6 items 1. Turn off the laptop. 2. Disconnect all attached devices. 3. Disconnect laptop from the electrical outlet. 4. Remove all installed batteries. 5. Use compressed air or a non-electrostatic vacuum to clean out the dust from the vents and the fan behind the vent. 6. Use tweezers to remove any debris. list end LCD Cleaning Procedures list of 5 items 1. Turn off the laptop. 2. Disconnect all attached devices. 3. Disconnect laptop from the electrical outlet. 4. Remove all installed batteries. 5. Wipe display with a soft, lint-free cloth that is lightly moistened with a mild cleaning solution. list end CAUTION: Do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the LCD display. Use products specifically designed for cleaning LCD displays.   Touch Pad Cleaning Procedures list of 5 items 1. Turn off the laptop. 2. Disconnect all attached devices. 3. Disconnect laptop from the electrical outlet. 4. Remove all installed batteries. 5. Wipe surface of touch pad gently with a soft, lint-free cloth that is moistened with an approved cleaner. Never use a wet cloth. list end The small screen of a PDA or Smartphone requires special care. The user operates these devices by touching the screen with a stylus. If dirt is present, the PDA may not accurately detect the stylus position or movement. The dirt can also scratch the screen. Clean the screen with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaning solution on a soft cloth. To protect the screen surface from a stylus, use self-adhesive screen covers. CAUTION: Use a soft, lint-free cloth with an approved cleaning solution to avoid damaging laptop surfaces. Apply the cleaning solution to the lint-free cloth, not directly to the laptop. Floppy Drive Cleaning Procedures Use a commercially-available cleaning kit to clean a floppy drive. Floppy drive cleaning kits include pre-treated floppy discs that remove contaminants from the floppy drive heads that have accumulated through normal operation. list of 2 items 1. Remove all media from the floppy drive. 2. Insert the cleaning disc and let it spin for the suggested amount of time. list end Optical Drive Cleaning Procedures Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can collect in the optical drives. Contaminated drives can cause malfunctions, missing data, error messages, and lost productivity. list of 3 items 1. Use a commercially-available CD or DVD drive cleaning disc. Many floppy disc cleaning kits include an optical disc cleaner. Like the floppy disc cleaner, optical disc cleaner kits contain a cleaning solution and a non-abrasive disc that is inserted into the optical drive. 2. Remove all media from the optical drive. 3. Insert the cleaning disc and let it spin for the suggested amount of time to clean all contact areas. list end Cleaning a CD or DVD Disc Inspect the disc for scratches. Replace discs that contain deep scratches; they may cause data errors. If you notice problems such as skipping or degraded playback quality with your CDs or DVDs, clean the discs. Commercial products are available that clean discs and provide protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning products for CDs are safe to use on DVDs. list of 5 items 1. Hold the disc by the outer edge or by the inside edge. 2. Gently wipe the disc with a lint-free cotton cloth. Never use paper or any material that may scratch the disc or leave streaks. 3. Wipe from the center of the disc outward. Never use a circular motion. 4. Apply a commercial CD or DVD cleaning solution to the lint-free cotton cloth, and wipe again if any contaminates remain on the disc. 5. Allow the disc to dry before it is inserted into the drive.  6.6   Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices       6.6.2   Identify optimal operating environments    table end An optimal operating environment for a laptop is clean, free of potential contaminants, and within the temperature and humidity range specified by the manufacturer. Figure 1 shows examples of operating environments. With most desktop computers, the operating environment can be controlled. However, due to the portable nature of laptops, it is not always possible to control the temperature, humidity, and working conditions. Laptops are built to resist adverse environments, but technicians should always take precautions to protect the equipment from damage and loss of data.   It is important to transport or ship laptops carefully. Use a padded laptop case to store your laptop. When you carry it, use an approved computer bag. If the laptop is shipped, use sufficient packing material. Figure 2 shows examples of laptop carrying cases and packing boxes.  CAUTION: Be sure to pack laptops and all accessories securely to prevent damage during transport.   Laptops are transported to many types of environments. Dust particles, temperature, and humidity can affect the performance of a laptop.   Follow these guidelines to help ensure optimal operating performance from your laptop: list of 4 items • Clean the laptop frequently to remove dust and potential contaminants. • Do not obstruct vents or airflow to internal components. A laptop can overheat if air circulation is obstructed. • Keep the room temperature between 45 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 32 degrees Celsius). • Keep the humidity level between 10 to 80 percent. list end CAUTION: Use a soft, lint-free cloth with an approved cleaning solution to avoid damaging laptop surfaces. Apply the cleaning solution to the lint-free cloth, not directly to the laptop.   Temperature and humidity recommendations will vary by laptop manufacturer. You should research these recommended values, especially if you plan to use the laptop in extreme conditions. Refer to Figure 3 for humidity and temperature examples.     6.7 Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices  When troubleshooting problems with laptops or portable devices, you should determine if a repair is cost-effective. To determine the best course of action, compare the cost of the repair with the replacement cost of the laptop or portable device less the salvage value.  Because many portable devices change rapidly in design and functionality, portable devices are often more expensive to repair than to replace. For this reason, portable devices are usually replaced, whereas laptops can be replaced or repaired.  Follow the steps outlined in this section to accurately identify, repair, and document the problem. The troubleshooting process is shown in Figure 1. After completing this section, you will meet these objectives: list of 2 items • Review the troubleshooting process. • Identify common problems and solutions. list end Troubleshooting Process Troubleshooting Process Troubleshooting Process 1 Gather Data from the Customer 2 Verify the Obvious Issues 3 Try Quick Solutions First 4 Gather Data from the Computer 5Evaluate the Problem and Implement the Solution 6 Close with the Customer  6.7   Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices       6.7.1   Review the troubleshooting process    table end Computer problems can result from a combination of hardware, software, and network issues. Computer technicians must be able to analyze the problem and determine the cause of the error in order to repair the computer. This process is called troubleshooting. The first step in the troubleshooting process is to gather data from the customer. Figures 1 and 2 list open-ended and closed-ended questions to ask the customer. Once you have talked to the customer, you should verify the obvious issues. Figure 3 lists some issues for laptops. After the obvious issues have been verified, try some quick solutions. Figure 4 lists quick solutions for laptops. If quick solutions did not correct the problem, use Step 4 in the troubleshooting process to gather data from the computer. Figure 5 shows different ways to gather information about the problem from the computer. At this point, you will have enough information to evaluate the problem, research, and implement possible solutions. Figure 6 shows resources for possible solutions. After you have solved the laptop problem, you will close with the customer. Figure 7 is a list of the tasks required to complete this step. Discuss the solution implemented with the customer Have the customer verify that the problem has been solved Provide the customer with all paperwork Document the steps taken to solve the problem Document any components used in the repair Document the time spent to resolve the problem  6.7   Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices       6.7.2   Identify common problems and solutions    table end Computer problems can be attributed to hardware, software, networks, or some combination of the three. You will resolve some types of computer problems more often than others. Figure 1 is a chart of common laptop problems and solutions.  Worksheet Research Laptop Problems Research laptop issues Common Problems and Solutions Problem Symptom Possible Solution LCD laptop screen is not displaying anything Disconnect any external monitors and use Fn key sequence to activate the LCD Image on the LCD screen is too dim Swap laptop to AC power and adjust brightness controls for the LCD Image on the LCD screen contains a black border Adjust display resolution setting 6.8 Summary  This chapter discussed the features of laptops, portable devices (PDAs) and Smartphones. The following concepts from this chapter are important to remember: list of 19 items • Laptops and PDAs are becoming increasingly popular due to reduced costs, lighter weights, increased capabilities, and battery power for portability. • PDAs and Smartphones are small, handheld devices with many of the capabilities of a computer, such as an address book, calendar, e-mail, and Internet access. • Laptops and desktops have ports that are virtually the same; therefore, the peripherals are interchangeable. Laptops can use docking stations or port replicators to quickly connect to desktop peripherals and AC power. • Desktop and laptop components, such as motherboards, are not interchangeable. Additionally, laptop components tend to be proprietary to each manufacturer and designed with unique form factors. • The laptop CPU is designed to use less power and create less heat than the desktop computer. It uses CPU throttling to reduce power consumption and heat. • Functionality of the laptop can be expanded by adding components via PC Card or ExpressCard slots and USB, FireWire, or parallel ports. • An important component of laptop portability is the ability to run on battery power. The current method of managing power is through the operating system with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). The ACPI standard defines six power management states. • There are several components of a laptop that may need to be replaced. Steps are defined to replace the battery, optical drive, hard drive, memory, and PC Cards. • Cell phone standards were developed in the 1980s. The current third-generation standards enable cell phones to share some laptop functions, such as e-mail, Internet access, address, and calendar functions. Standards have not been adopted worldwide. • Preventive maintenance will ensure optimal operation of the laptop. It is important to keep the laptop clean and in safe environments. It is critical to use the correct materials and techniques when cleaning the various components of a laptop. Procedures for cleaning the components are presented. • Dust, temperature, and humidity can affect laptop performance. Basic guidelines are to keep the laptop clean, with good ventilation, and room temperature between 45 and 90 degrees F (7 to 32 degrees C) and humidity levels in the range of 10 to 80 percent. • Always verify that repair of a laptop is cost-effective. • Troubleshooting laptop problems requires the technician to identify, repair, and document the problem. Troubleshooting steps include: Gather data from customer, verify the obvious issues, try quick solutions first, gather data from the computer, evaluate the problem, implement the solution, and close with the customer. • When troubleshooting wireless-capable devices, check all status LEDs and signal strength indicators. Remove all unnecessary peripherals to isolate the problem. • Check for external problems, such as connection errors, power errors, and function key errors. Connection errors can often be solved by removing and reinserting components. Check in Device Manager for errors. Power errors can be caused by the use of incorrect adaptors, damaged batteries, damaged AC adaptors, or dead wall outlets. Check components controlled by Function keys. • Try quick solutions first to solve laptop problems. Reboot and verify the BIOS settings, start the laptop in safe mode, and use the Last Known Good Configuration Option. • For problem resolution, gather information from the computer from the Device Manager, Network Settings, Power Options, Event Viewer, and System Configuration. • Resources for troubleshooting should include other technicians, Internet resources, manufacturers’ FAQs, and online forums. • The final steps in the troubleshooting process are to test the laptop in all scenarios, discuss the solution with the customer, fill out all necessary paperwork and billing documents, and document the solution. list end The Advanced Laptops and Portable Devices chapter will focus on troubleshooting more difficult problems.