Supporting and Troubleshooting Laptops Flashcards
Definition of Laptop
Laptop: A powerful portable computer offering similar functionality to a desktop computer.
Give a full description of laptops.
Contains special hardware:
Designed for portability.
Runs on AC or battery.
Uses the same OSs as desktop PCs.
Models:
Entry level/Budget.
Ultraportable.
Desktop replacement.
Media center.
Gaming unit.
Definition of touchpad
Touchpad: Input device used on most laptops to replace the mouse, controlled by moving fingers over the pad surface.
Give a description of the touchpad
Alternative to using a mouse.
Support for multi-touch and gestures.
Configured via the Mouse applet in Windows.
Give a description of the keyboard
Function keys:
Display.
Screen orientation.
Wireless/Bluetooth/Cellular/GPS.
Volume.
Screen brightness.
Keyboard backlight.
Touchpad.
Media options.
Numeric keypad or key
combinations.
Configured via the Keyboard
the applet in Windows.
Definition of Touchscreen
Touchscreen: A display screen combined with a digitizer that is responsive to touch input.
Give a description of the Display and Touchscreen
Finger touch or stylus.
Antenna for Wi-Fi adapter incorporated.
Rotating or removable screens/keyboards.
Based on tablet form factors.
Configurable via Tablet PC Settings
and Pen and Touch applets in Windows.
Calibration utility.
Gesture settings.
Give a description of Expansion options
Wired ports on left, right, and rear:
At least one video port.
Several USB Type-A ports.
At least one USB Type C/Thunderbolt port.
Microphone and speaker jacks.
Network (RJ-45) port.
Possibly a memory card reader.
USB adapters:
USB to RJ-45.
USB to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
USB optical drive.
Defintion of port replicator
Port replicator: A simple device to extend the range of ports available for a laptop computer when it is used on a desk.
Give a description of the port replicator
Connects keyboards, monitors, mice, and network cabling to a laptop.
Generally does not add new functionality.
What is a Docking Station
Docking station: A sophisticated type of port replicator designed to provide additional ports and functionality to a portable computer when used at a desk.
Give a description of a docking stations
Can provide additional functionality.
Media bay can support expansion cards or drives.
Describes physical locks
Help prevent theft.
Key-based or combination locks.
Kensington locks and connection points.
What are the properties of Laptop Disassembly Processes?
Hand tools and parts:
Smaller screws than desktops—use jeweler’s tools
Document screw locations, ribbon cables, and other connectors
Organize removed parts
Form factors and plastics/frames
Most use proprietary components
Chassis incorporates:
Motherboard
Power supply
Display screen
Keypad
Touchpad
Review manufacturer’s service documentation before starting upgrades or repairs
Give a full description of Laptop FRUs
Fewer FRUs than desktop PCs.
FRUs are accessible from behind a screw plate on the bottom of the unit.
HDD
Optical drive
RAM
Wi-Fi and other adapters
What are the properties of Mass Storage for Laptops?
Same types as for PCs:
HDD, SSD, and hybrid solutions.
Normally one internal storage device.
Smaller form factors:
2.5 and 1.8 inches.
Slower than PC counterparts.
Data and power connectors:
SATA for most magnetic and hybrid drives.
Micro SATA for some 1.8” drive bays.
SATA, mSATA, or M.2 for SSDs.
What is SODIMM
SODIMM: Memory that is half the size of DIMMs, is available in 32- or 64-bit data paths, and is commonly found in laptops and iMac systems.
What are the properties of Laptop RAM?
Packaging for different DDR types:
DDR and DDR2: 200 pins
DDR3: 204 pins
DDR4: 260 pins
Angled slots allow for easy removal and
installation.
Disassembly might be required to reach
all installed RAM.
What are the uses and formats of adapter cards for laptops?
Uses:
Modems
Wireless networking
SSD storage
Adapter formats:
Mini-PCI
mSATA
M.2
For wireless adapter upgrades:
Reconnect antenna wires or install a new
antenna kit.
If cellular functionality, a SIM is required.
Give a description of Optical Drives for Laptops
Slimline models were used.
Normally accessible through the bottom panel.
SATA data and power connectors.
For replacements, use the same OEM part or the same caddy design.
Give a description of the Laptop CPU and Motherboard Upgrades
CPU is upgradeable if the new device is supported by the motherboard.
CPU is covered by a heat pipe.
Long, flat metal strip.
Sometimes it’s more economical to replace the system board.
Detach the stand-offs.
Probably also need to update the chipset driver or notebook system software.
Allow Windows to discover the new device using Plug-and-Play.
Give a description of Laptop Video Card Upgrades
Often an integrated graphics adapter.
Advantageous in terms of battery life and cooling.
Typically has limited video memory or shares system memory.
Not usually upgradeable, but may be replaceable.
High-end video cards require specific power and cooling.
The modular approach is not possible due to limited space.
What is Laptop Component Replacement
Find a source for “like-for-like” replacements
Ensures proper fit and function
What is Laptop Display and Digitizer Replacement
The built-in display will be:
LCD (TFT) with fluorescent backlight
LCD with LED backlight
OLED
Give a description of a Laptop Speaker Replacement
Replacing speakers requires disassembly down to the system board.
Model compatibility.
Connect the audio cables.
Give all Laptop Input Device Replacements
Keyboards
Touchpads
Webcams
Microphones
Smart card readers
Give a description of Laptop Power Supplies
Building power:
Need AC to DC converter.
Auto switching or manual.
DC jacks are prone to failure.
Battery operation:
Li-ion battery packs.
6, 9, and 12 cell versions.
Normally accessed through the bottom
of the unit.
Charging options.
Tips for maximizing battery life.
Give all properties of common laptop issues
Display issues:
Built-in displays
Touchscreens
External displays
Power and cooling issues
Input and output device issues
GPS and location services issues
OS and app issues:
Performance
Unresponsive apps
Give all display issues
Problems with built-in displays:
Is it really the built-in display?
Backlights and inverters prone to failure
Problems with touchscreen displays:
Not responsive
Does not act as expected
Problems with external displays:
No image
Wrong image
Image is too large or too small
What are the Guidelines for Troubleshooting Display Issues
Built-in displays:
Where does the problem really lie?
Check for physical damage.
Check the resolution.
Check the driver.
Touchscreen displays:
Is it clean?
Check for physical damage.
Try using it in another location.
I recently serviced, are wires reconnected?
Check software configuration.
External displays.
Check the keyboard toggle switch.
Check power and input mode.
Check the resolution.
Look for updated drivers.
Swap out displays and cables.
What are the power and cooling issues
Battery issues.
Verify proper insertion and clean contacts.
Short battery life.
Windows 10 Settings app for battery use
by apps.
Swollen batteries.
AC power issues.
Overheating.
Dust and heat.
Lack of ventilation.
What are the Guidelines for Troubleshooting Power and Cooling Issues
Battery issues:
Follow manufacturer guidelines on charging.
Use approved chargers.
Avoid fire, water, drops, or other impacts.
Use recommended battery.
Use power management features.
AC power issues:
Check and verify operational needs.
Test the outlet with known good devices.
Look for the LED on the AC adapter.
Check the plug’s fuse.
AC power issues (continued):
Check the DC socket on the laptop.
Verify the adapter supplies adequate power.
Disconnect peripherals one at a time to see if power problems remain.
Cooling issues.
Keep the air ducts clean.
Use compressed air to blow dust out.
Use a computer vacuum to remove dust.
What are the points of Input and Output Device Issues?
Input devices.
Stuck keys.
Improper or unintentional use of Fn keys.
NumLock use.
Oversensitive touchpad.
Sound and speaker issues.
No sound.
The sound is distorted.
Give the guidelines for Troubleshooting Input and Output Device Issues
Clean the keyboard with compressed air.
If serviced recently, verify all cables were reconnected.
Check Fn key status.
Check NumLock key status.
Check drivers.
Check volume control, playback device configuration, sound card, and internal wiring.
Give all the points of Communication and Connectivity Issues
Connectivity:
Physical issues and software configuration problems.
Wireless devices need power.
Issues can arise after the laptop wakes from Sleep or Hibernation mode.
Possible electromagnetic interference.
GPS and Location Services:
No functionality.
Limited functionality.
Signal strength decreases when indoors.
Give all the Guidelines for Troubleshooting Communication and Connectivity Issues
Check adapters, Fn keys, and antenna connections.
Check batteries on wireless mice and other devices.
Check for driver updates to address sleep mode issues.
For intermittent connectivity, move the devices around or use an antenna.
For GPS issues, verify it’s enabled and not in airplane mode.
Also, be sure individual apps have been granted permission to use location services.
What are the OS and App Issues
Slow performance
Unresponsive devices and apps
Email issues
What are the points of Guidelines for Troubleshooting OS and App Issues?
For slow performance, check apps that require lots of memory.
For unresponsive apps, perform a reset.
For email issues, check the support documentation for the email client/ encryption program to get certificate information.
