TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TESTING DEVICES

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

1. Identify the different tools and protective equipment used in

computer system and networks
2. Determine the different use and functions of these tools and
equipment

One important thing to consider before executing a well-planned

computer installation is that one must be knowledgeable in the different tools
and equipment used in computer systems and networks. Furthermore, the
idea on how these tools and equipment are properly used is another
important consideration in installing computer systems.

The following tools and equipment are classified according to their functions
and uses.

Equipment and Tools Materials

Accessories

LAN Card Screwdriver(standard) Software applications

UPS Screwdriver (Philips) Network OS Software
Server Long nose pliers RJ 45
24 port-hub Mechanical pliers UTP Cat 5 cable
Modem Allen wrench Motherboard’s
Fax machine Multitasker manual
PC Video camera Crimping tools and installer
USB External Wire stripper Sound device driver
CD writer LAN Tester Soldering iron (30
USB scanner Anti-static wrist wrap watts)
USB printers Device drivers/installers installer
USB Flash Drive
LAN Card – is a network interface card. This
is a computer circuit board or card that
is installed in a computer so that it can
be connected to a network.

Server – is a part of a network. It is a special

computer that users on the network can
assess to carry out a job.

Port hub /Port – is a connector on the back

of a computer or other device. A port is
either a serial port or a parallel port.

Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The

modem is a device that allows a given
computer to share data or otherwise a
device which let computers exchange
information

USB – Universal Serial Bus, a hardware

interface for low-speed peripherals
such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick,
scanner, printer and telephony devices.
Scanner- it is an input device that read text or
illustration printed on paper, translates
the information into a form that a
computer can use.

Flat Screw Driver – is used to drive or fasten

negative slotted screws

Printer - it is a piece of hardware that

produces a paper copy (also known as
“hardcopy”) of the information
generated by the computer.

RAM – Random Access Memory, is a primary

memory. This memory is used inside
the computer to hold programs and
data while it is running.

BIOS – Basic Input/Output System, chip that

controls the most basic functions of the
computer and performs a self-test every
time you turn it on.
Flash drive– RAM that can retain data without
electrical power. It is widely used for
BIOS chips and for digital camera and
digital music storage.

Video Camera - camera using videotape:

camera that records onto videotape

Long nose Pliers – is used for holding,

bending and stretching the lead of
electronics component or connecting
wire.

Soldering Iron – is used to join two or more

metal conductors with the support of
soldering lead melted around it.

Desoldering Tool – is used to unsolder

unwanted parts or component in the
circuit with the support of soldering
pencil
Philips Screw Driver- is used to drive or
fasten positive slotted screws

Multitester- is an instrument use to measure

voltage, current and resistance.

NIC – Network Interface Card – The PC

expansion board that plug into a
personal computer or server and works
with the network operating system to
control the flow information over the
network.

RJ 45 – is the connector plugged into the NIC

ports on computers and often
connecting the main networking
hardware together.

UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair, is popular

type of cable used in computer
networking that consists of two shielded
wires twisted around each other.
 Motherboard – contains the CPU, BIOS,
memory, mass storage interfaces, serial
and parallel ports, expansion slot and
all the controllers required to control
standard peripheral devices such as the
display screen, keyboard and disk
drive.

Software applications
Software - is the programs and data that a computer uses.

Network OS Software
Network-are multiple computers linked together to make
simultaneous information sharing and exchange by multiple users.

Sound Device Driver Installer / Sound and Audio Devices

A windows XP Control Panel applet, called Sounds, and Multimedia in
Windows 2000, for configuring the system’s sound card.
Personal Protective Equipment

It refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other gear

designed to protect the wearer's body or clothing from injury by electrical
hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational
safety and health purposes.

PPE can also be used to protect the working environment from

pesticide application, pollution or infection from the worker (for example in
a microchip factory).

Students even teacher during their laboratory period should

require to use of personal protective equipment. Some of these are:

Goggles – A large spectacles, with

shields around the rims, for
protecting the eyes from dust,
excessive light, wind, etc.

Rubber Sole – A special type of

shoes used to prevent electrical
shock and for waterproofing and
insulating purposes.
 Apron – A garment worn over the
front of the body as a protection for
one’s cloth.

Dust Mask- A covering for the face

to prevent the inhaling or absorbing
dust and other chemicals

Gloves - The covering material with

a separate sheath for each finger
used for hand protection.

Anti-Static and Safety Precautions

The little shock you experienced while you are walking across a
carpeted floor or touched a door knob, table, counter or even another
person is a result of static electricity. Static electricity is the discharge of
electricity between two objects with different electrical potential.
Humans can’t feel a static shock until it is several thousand volts strong,
but it takes less than 30 volts to fry a sensitive computer component, such
as a stick of RAM or a processor.

That's why computer technicians and home computer builders

have to guard their computers against the deadly ravages of
static electricity, as well as take steps to avoid injury to yourself

Safety and Anti-Static Rules

• When possible, try to avoid working in carpeted areas.

Carpeting greatly increases static buildup within your
body.
• Always use an anti-static wrist strap when
working on a computer (except when working
on monitors
• Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and
from any powered peripherals while you are working
on it.
• Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis
with your bare hand before you touch anything
inside. Do this even if you are wearing an anti-static
wristband.
• Always handle electronic components by a non-
conducting (non-metallic) edge. Do not touch the pins
or other connectors.
• Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power
unless it is connected either to a computer's
motherboard or to a dummy test load.
• Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an
Uninterruptible Power Supply that incorporates surge
and spike protection.
• Never eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.