You Can Do I.T.!

Basic Hardware & Software Skills for Libraries

Included in this resource guide:
 Workshop Slides
 Glossary of I.T. Terms
 Computer Ports and Parts
 AM Quiz
 Purchasing Evaluation Guide
 Cleaning Your Computer
 BIOS Set-up Handout
 Computer Update Guide
 Installing Network Printers
 3-2-1 Rule Guide
 PM Quiz
 Take-Home Checklist

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/youcandoit

Prepared by Carson Block Consulting for Texas State Library and Archives Commission
BASIC HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
SKILLS FOR LIBRARIES
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/youcandoit

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12 sites, Spring and Fall

Course Objectives:
• Learn about computer
hardware
• Hands on!
• Learn about essential
computer software
• And more!

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• External parts of desktop and • Basics of BIOS security
laptop computers (i.e.,settings and passwords)
• Computer ports and cables • Understanding the function of the
• Internal parts of desktop and operating system and device
laptop computers drivers
• Computer specifications • Installing new or connecting to
• Important hardware terms printers
• Basic computer hardware • Updating your operating system,
maintenance printer drivers, etc.
• How to evaluate hardware or • Important security software
software before purchasing • Public access computer systems
and system restoration software
• Backup and restoration basics

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Who I am What I believe What I do

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Tell us who you are, where you are
from, and a little about your library
job.

Tell us about your worst and best

experience with technology.

If you took my class last year, you

can share your technology
achievements instead!
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We Want You To Be
Successful!

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Show & Tell

Conversational

Hands on
Interactive

Safe to explore

Collaborative

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9:00 AM -Noon Section I: Computer Hardware

Noon -1:15 PM Lunch Break (On Own)

1:15 – 4:30 PM Section I: Basic Hardware ,

Maintenance and Review Sources
Section II: Software and Security

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• Glossary of Common I.T. Terms
• Computer Ports and Parts
• Morning Quiz (First Quiz)
• BIOS Set-up
• Computer Cleaning
• Computer Update guide
• Purchasing Evaluation guide
• Printer and Peripheral Set-up
• Afternoon Quiz (Second Quiz)
• Take-Home Checklist

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Two glossaries:
1. Handout: terms used in this
class
2. Linked PDF: “phone book” of
IT acronyms for future
reference

All workshop materials at:

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/youcandoit

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Please take a look at the I.T. Glossary.
Hint: take a moment to skim through it.

• What terms are you familiar with?

• What terms are brand new?

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Section 1:
Computer Hardware

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• External parts of desktop and laptop computers
• Computer ports and cables
• Internal parts of desktop and laptop computers
• Understanding computer specifications
• Important hardware terms
• Basic computer hardware maintenance
• How to evaluate hardware or software before
purchasing
• Section 1 quiz
• Lunch (on your own)

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Inside: internal
components aka
software

Outside: external
components
aka hardware

Upside down: hands-on

learning!

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Computer Ports and Parts

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• ++

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Over time, with new versions, the speed and
power of USB has increased significantly

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Definition: printed circuit board containing the principal
components of a computer or other device, with connectors into
which other circuit boards can be slotted.

• Top manufacturers: ASUS,

Lenovo, HP

• Chosen by manufacturer unless

building your own

• If building your own, ensure it

supports current standards for
the rest of the hardware
components

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Characteristics:
• “Clock speed”, measured in MHz
• Number of cores
• “Cache” or chip memory
• Design
• Is it 32-bit vs 64 bit?
• Can it handle hyperthreading?
Top manufacturers: Intel, AMD

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Processor rankings are even confusing for geeks!

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• Stands for Random Access Memory
• Higher speeds (expressed in MHz) =
higher performance
• Higher capacity (expressed in GB) =
higher performance

Two sizes:
• DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module);
“Bigger” – Desktop PCs
• SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM;
“Smaller” – Laptops and All-in-One PCs

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Definition: a high-capacity, self-contained storage device
containing a read-write mechanism plus one or more hard
disks, inside a sealed unit; also called hard disk drive.

Old School: spinning disk New school: Solid State (SSD)

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Definition:
Component through which
the computer’s internal
components communicate
with one another

Old School: New School:

IDE SATA
SCSI eSATA

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• Either part of motherboard or
attached separately

• Increased importance as
video has become integral to
computing for gaming and
digital media creation

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The higher the resolution, sharper the
picture even when screen size is the same

The higher the resolution, sharper the picture

even when screen size is the same

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• Monitor needs to support appropriate level of resolution
• Shift from 4:3 ratio to 16:9 (“square” screen to “wide screen”)
• LCD = Liquid Crystal Display (display technology)
• LED = the way modern LCD screens are illuminated

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Characteristics:
• Ethernet connection
• Fast - 1 gigabyte/sec
• Secure data connection
• Connection range:
100 meters or 300 feet

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• Wireless LAN (WLAN)
technology has been
assigned numbers:
802.11 and 802.11x

• WiFi uses tiny radios

to send and receive
information.

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Current standard wired method for keyboards, mice,
printers, external hard drives, and many other
peripherals

Types: USB, USB2, USB3, USB-C (A new animal)

Caution! This bus can get jammed…

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• Near-field wireless data
communication
• Connects computer to wireless
keyboards, mice, speakers, and
other peripherals
• Currently on version 4.2
• Range is up to 100 meters, but
usually > 30 meters

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Before working on your computer,
wear an anti-static wristband to
ground yourself.

It prevents frying your computer

with static electricity.

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Let’s Tear ‘em Down!
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Concepts to consider…
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You never really “buy” a
computer, but only lease it’s
capabilities for a short time.
Computers are not like guitars!

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Yes, but it’s a low value proposition.

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Pros Cons
• Can buy “best in • Will everything work in
class” components harmony?
• Cool cases and • Warranties on
flashy components individual parts, but
not the whole system

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• Fast quality parts
• Software
• Watch out for “bloatware”
which could slow you
down

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• What is the purpose of the computer?

• What software applications will you run –

standard, specialized, gaming, etc.? Do they have
special hardware requirements?

• What sort of peripherals do you need (includes

stuff that plugs into your computer or network).

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Many off-the-shelf computers already have what you need!

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a standard PC… an all-in-one…

.. and a thin client?

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Quiz Time!

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Lunch Time
See you @ 1:15pm!

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Outline
• Basic computer hardware maintenance
• How to evaluate hardware or software
before purchasing

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Cleaning Your Computer
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Cleaning:
• computers, general tips
• keyboards and mice
• monitors
• the PC exterior
• connections and ports

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Useful tools:
• Compressed (“canned”) air
• Soft cloth lightly dampened
with water or rubbing alcohol
• Cotton or foam swabs
Avoid:
• Vacuum cleaners
(static danger)
• Oils and solvents
• Excessive moisture
• Touching any internal parts
(risk of static charge)

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Always the first step: unplug and/or turn off keyboard and mouse

Keyboards
• Inspect for loose keys, then turn upside
down and shake gently
• Use compressed air
• Wipe the keys surface with moist cloth
or sanitizing wipe.

Mice
• Use same procedures and tools as
keyboards, but avoiding “cleanser”
residue on track balls or optical sensors.

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Always the first step: unplug and/or turn off keyboard and mouse

• Do not spray anything directly onto

monitor.
• Use dry and lint-free soft cloth or
disposable duster to remove dust
• Use gentle cleansers
• Use cloth dampened with rubbing
alcohol to remove difficult or oily
spots

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Always the first step: unplug and/or turn off keyboard and mouse

• Clean the plastic housing with a

lightly damp lint-free cloth or
pre-moistened wipe
• Crevices and vents can be blown
clean with compressed air.

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Always the first step: unplug and/or turn off keyboard and mouse

• DeOxit is one product that can be

used to clean dirty or poorly
functioning ports.
• Useful for headphone jacks or
USB plugs.

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Purchasing Evaluation
Guide
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• Model numbers mean a lot,
even if they are similar
• Use a diversity of review
sources
• Evaluate the authority of
the review source

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• Basics of BIOS security (i.e., settings and passwords)
• Operating system
• Device drivers
• Installing new or connecting to printers
• Updating your operating system, printer drivers, etc.
• Important security software
• Public access computer systems and system restoration
software
• Backup and restoration basics
• Take-Home Checklist
• Recap, farewell and final questions
• Final quiz
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Section 2:
Software & Security

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BIOS =
Basic Input Output System

• First thing you see when you

boot a computer
• Shows your computer how
to operate
• It is a chip, a system
manager, and a data flow
manager

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• Can be a backdoor into your computer
• On your public machines it should be
password protected
• Two passwords:
– BIOS access on boot-up
– Change BIOS settings
• BIOS has firmware that has the
capability to be updated
(special process)
• Take care with other BIOS settings –
it’s possible to accidentally scramble
things!

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• The computer program that manages all
the other programs in a computer.
• The other programs are
called applications or “apps.”
• The application programs make use of
the operating system by making
requests for services through a defined
application program interface (API).
• In addition, users can interact directly
with the operating system through a
user interface such as a command
language or a graphical user interface
(GUI).

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 You

Microsoft Word,
Google Chrome,
Norton Internet
Security, etc

Windows 7 or 10

PC

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 You

Microsoft Word,
Google Chrome,
etc

Mac OSX

iMac

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 • A device driver is a program that
controls a device attached to your
computer.
• Printers, monitors, CD-ROM readers,
etc all contain drivers to
communicate with your computer’s
operating system.
• Many operating systems have device
drivers pre-installed!

CD-ROMs are an obsolete way to get drivers,

but sometimes the only choice!

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This is a very obsolete way
to download software!

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Key Questions:
• What do you need to accomplish?
• Is there a standard or a “standard?” If yes – use it!
• Is it unique or special?
• What about open source software?
• Do vendors offer discounts?
For example: TechSoup, governmental & educational

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Types of software: 1. What do you need to
• ILS accomplish?
• Operating
Systems
2. Is there a standard or a
• Web Browsers “standard?” If yes – use it!
• Word Processors 3. Is it unique or special?
• Others? 4. What about open source
software?
5. Do vendors offer discounts?

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• Security
• Bug fixes
• Performance improvements
• Strategic considerations from the software vendor
• New business models from the software vendor
• Updates are mostly good, though sometimes
controversial

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Old New
Pay to upgrade each operating Free OS upgrade
system

Software purchased once and

Annual subscription or stand-
stuck with that version
alone w/ periodic updates

Anti-virus/anti-malware had user-

Subscription enables most
managed fee to stay current
current virus definitions

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It’s not your imagination: software updates
are a consistent part of our computing life…

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“The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be
those who cannot read or write, but those
who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

Alvin & Heidi Toffler

authors of Future Shock (1970)
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“You must unlearn what you have learned.”

Yoda

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• Most computers - including
Windows PCs, Macs, mobile
devices and more – require
updates.
• This includes updates to
both software and firmware.
• The Internet is the
distribution platform for
most updates and
assumes/requires robust
connectivity.

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Updates and installations
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Installing & connecting printers
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Let’s explore the process
of setting up a
network printer!

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Malware started as an … and evolved into a business!
amusement or a nuisance…

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Demo:
• A look at your basic settings:
Control Panel > System & Security
• A look at Symantec

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…like a haystack!

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Each strand does something
to protect
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Workstations are secured by: Network router are secured by:
• BIOS password • Firewall
• User accounts • NAT
• Anti-virus/anti-malware
• Hidden partition (deep freeze)
• Backups and restoration
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Things to consider:
• Access
• Functionality Considerations for staff PCs are the
same, but generally need fewer
• Scalability security layers
• Security
• Ease of management

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What does it do?
• Enables queuing of print jobs
from multiple computers to one
printer

How does it work?

• Software integrates with
computer network and payment
system
• Release from queue can be
managed by staff manually or
by automatic payment

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What does it do?
• Creates a queue for users waiting
to reserve a computer
• Ensures that only registered users
(e.g. library card holders) may
log in to computers
• Manages the time a user may
spend on a computer

How does it do it?

• Users can make reservations from
a designated reservation station or
from their own devices.

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 AKA Thin Client

What does it do?

• Provides a “Virtual Desktop” via a
server—a secure way to provide an
individual computing experience
while avoiding issues with malware,
etc. from content downloaded on a
hard drive, etc

How does it do it?

• Provides a “Virtual Desktop” via a
server— each terminal is a very
bare-bones machine running a
projected image from the server
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AKA Thin Client

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What does it do?
• Prevents, detects and removes
malicious software
• Provides other services
(including a firewall and backups)

How does it do it?

• Background Scanning
• Full System Scans
• Virus Definitions
• Automatic or manual updates
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What does it do?
• Preserves the desired
configuration of a computer
and protects against unwanted
changes to those settings

How does it do it?

• Captures a snapshot of a
computer’s “desired”
configuration
• Upon rebooting, any changes
made to this configuration are
reset
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 Simply, it’s a copy of your data!

It can be on a variety of media: It can be in a variety of places:

• External hard drive • Your computer
• Thumb drive • Your network
• CD-R or DVD-R • The internet (cloud)

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• Always have 3 digital copies of anything
you really care about

• Use 2 types of backup media

• At least 1 Copy should be stored offsite

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 • Always have 3 digital copies of anything
Let’s sketch you really care about
some scenarios
together to see • Use 2 types of backup media
if they follow the • Hard Drive
• Tape
3-2-1 rule!
• At least 1 Copy should be stored offsite

• Do NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R

• At least 1 Copy should be stored offsite

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This is something even the professionals
forget to do sometimes…

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Take-home checklist
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Quiz Time!

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This workshop is made possible by a grant from the Institute of
Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library
Services and Technology Act. (2015)

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• Carson Block for content

• Monica Grimm-Berg and TSLAC for graphics

and assembly of learning materials

These materials and more at:

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/youcandoit

133
Hardware/Software Glossary

Antivirus Computer software used to prevent, detect and remove malicious software
Software
Audio Jacks A socket for connecting audio equipment to a receiver or computer.
BIOS Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is the term used to describe an important chip on
the computer’s motherboard, which contains a firmware program that governs the
startup of all other components (including hardware such as the drives, keyboard,
and monitor) and software (including the operating system). The BIOS prepares the
computer to run the operating system and other software when the computer
“boots up.” The BIOS can also play a role in computer security. Most BIOS software
versions have the option to password-protect the boot process, which means that
you must enter a password before any BIOS activity can take place. With the BIOS
performing virtually all of its functions during startup, this effectively password-
protects the operation of the whole computer. However, resetting a lost BIOS
password can be time-consuming and involve working on some of the computer's
most sensitive components.
“Bloatware” Unwanted software, often pre-installed on new computers or devices from the
manufacturer. Sometimes “bloatware” uses excessive memory or other resources,
slowing down the computer or device’s performance.
Bluetooth A telecom standard for computers and mobile devices sharing information wirelessly
across short distances.
Broadband Broadband is the word used to, generally speaking, describe high-speed
telecommunications and, more specifically, high-speed internet. Operating at,
responsive to, or comprising a wide band of frequencies <a broadband radio
antenna> ; of, relating to, or being a high-speed communications network and
especially one in which a frequency range is divided into multiple independent
channels for simultaneous transmission of signals (as voice, data, or video)

Category 5 Cable Cat 5 is a twisted pair cable for carrying signals. This type of cable is used in
structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet. The cable standard
provides performance of up to 100 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX
(Fast Ethernet), and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). Cat 5 is also used to carry other
signals such as telephony and video.
Category 5e The category 5e specification improves upon the category 5 specification by
Cable tightening some crosstalk specifications and introducing new crosstalk specifications
that were not present in the original category 5 specification. The bandwidth of
category 5 and 5e is the same – 100 MHz. The differences between category 5 and

You Can Do I.T. / Hardware/Software Glossary

Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 category 5e are in their transmission performance. Category 5e components are
most suitable for a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet. While category 5 components may
function to some degree in a Gigabit Ethernet, they perform below standard during
high-data transfer scenarios.
Category 6 Cable A standardized cable for Gigabit Ethernet and other network physical layers that is
backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards.
Compared with Cat 5 and Cat 5e, Cat 6 features more stringent specifications for
crosstalk and system noise. The cable standard provides performance of up to
250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-
T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet).[
Desktop A computer intended to be stationary that is generally plugged into an external
Computer power source (wall outlet). The traditional or “Stand-Alone” desktop consists of a
“tower,” which is the computer and all its internal components, connected to a
monitor, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals. An “All-in-One” computer
generally has the computer’s internal components integrated into a single unit with
the monitor, although the keyboard and mouse remain peripheral.
Device Driver In computing, a device driver (commonly referred to as a driver) is a computer
program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a
computer. A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling
operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions
without needing to know precise details of the hardware being used. (Wikipedia)
Display A monitor or screen on a computer or mobile device.
DVI Port Digital Video Interface connectors are used to deliver high-quality video signal. The
technology uses TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) to send digital
information from a computer to a digital display, such as a flat-panel LCD monitor.
Endpoint Anything that attached to the network, including PC, laptop, tablet, phone, iPod, etc.
Ethernet A computer network architecture consisting of various specified local-area network
protocols, devices, and connection methods
Ethernet Port An Ethernet port is an opening on computer network equipment that Ethernet
cables plug into. Ethernet ports accept cables with RJ-45 connectors
Firmware Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory
Hard drive A high-capacity, self-contained storage device containing a read-write mechanism
plus one or more hard disks, inside a sealed unit.
Hardware Physical components of a computer or computing device.
HDMI HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. This technology carries the
same video information as DVI but adds the capacity for digital audio and control
signals as well.
Heat Sink A device for absorbing or dissipating excessive or unwanted heat inside a computer.
IEC Connector A desktop computer’s power cord. The IEC 320 C13/C14 connectors are based on
standards created by the International Electrotechnical Commission, an international
You Can Do I.T. / Hardware/Software Glossary
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 standards body. The C13 line socket is very common in the PC and A/V industry. The
mating connector for the C13 socket is the C14 plug, which is often mounted into a
recessed panel.

Internet Service An organization that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the
Provider (ISP) Internet. Internet service providers may be organized in various forms, such as
commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned.
Laptop A laptop computer is intended to be portable, and generally includes a rechargeable
Computer battery as an internal power source. All of the computer’s internal components are
integrated with a monitor, keyboard and touch pad (in lieu of a mouse).
Local Area A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers
Network (LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building,
using network media.
Motherboard A printed circuit board containing the principal components of a computer or other
device, with connectors into which other circuit boards can be slotted.
Operating An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and
System software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The
operating system is a component of the system software in a computer system.
Application programs usually require an operating system to function. (Wikipedia)
Optical Drive A disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible
light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical
discs.
Parallel Port A connector for a device that sends or receives several bits of data simultaneously by
using more than one wire.
Processor or The part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed.
CPU
PS/2 Port Old school 6-pin port (replaced by USB for almost everything) but still exists in some
areas. Used to connect keyboards and mice
RAM Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed
randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the
preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and
other devices, such as printers.
Router A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. A
router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks.
Software A set of instructions for a computer to perform specific operations, written in a
specific code that is read as part of the computer’s function.
USB Universal Serial Bus (What’s a bus? In technology, a “bus”—derived from Latin
omnibus “all-encompassing”—is a communication system that transfers data
between components inside a computer, between computers, or between a
hardware component (printer, external drive, etc.) and a computer. USB was created

You Can Do I.T. / Hardware/Software Glossary

Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 by a forum of staff from major technology companies in the early 1990s to replace
older connections such as serial ports. Unlike its predecessors, USB provides both
data transfer and power—eliminating the need for individual device power supplies
for some peripheral devices.
VGA Port A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector has 15-pins arrange in three rows.

It is found on many video cards, computer monitors, and high definition television
sets. On laptop computers or other small devices, a mini-VGA port is sometimes used
in place of the full-sized VGA connector.
Video Card Also “graphics card;” a printed circuit board controlling output to a display screen.
WiFi 802.11x 802.11 and 802.11x refers to a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for
wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. 802.11 specifies an over-the-air interface between
a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients. The IEEE
accepted the specification in 1997. WiFi uses tiny radios to send and receive
information.
WiFi Card A wireless adapter inside of a computer enabling wireless internet access.
Wireless Access is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or
Point (AP) related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a
standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.

You Can Do I.T. / Hardware/Software Glossary

Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
Morning Hardware/Software Quiz
Your Name and Library: _________________________________________________________

Show us what you’ve learned so far!

1. What does VGA stand for?

a. Vulcan Geometry Academy
b. Video Graphics Array
c. V’Ger: a mysterious and immensely powerful alien cloud approaching Earth, destroying
everything in its path.
d. A Scottish record label

2. Of the following, which cable would you use to connect your computer to hard-wired (not Wi-Fi)
internet?
a. USB cable
b. HDMI cable
c. Ethernet cable
d. VGA cable

3. What is a main difference between USB and USB-C?

a. USB-C uses a fancy-looking cable and USB uses a plain-looking cable
b. One can carry power and the other cannot
c. USB-C is a strategy to converge physical ports
d. No difference

You Can Do I.T. / Morning Hardware/Software Quiz

Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
4. Matching (please draw a line between each port and its corresponding cable)

5. Remember our “Inside, Outside, Upside Down” slides? What computer parts do you typically
see Inside a computer?
a. CPU and RAM
b. Printer and scanner
c. Monitor and mouse
d. HDMI and USB ports

6. What are the possible ways to physically connect a computer to a monitor (circle all that apply)?
You Can Do I.T. / Morning Hardware/Software Quiz
Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 a. VGA connector and cable
b. DVI connector and cable
c. HDMI connector and cable
d. Bluetooth wireless

7. Which question below is not necessary to ask when first considering the purchase of a new
computer?
a. What is the purpose of the computer?
b. What software applications do I plan to run?
c. How many watts does the power supply provide?
d. How long do I plan to use/own this computer?

8. What is an all-in-one computer?

a. Typically, a large-screen computer that contains all of the computer components in a
space not too much bigger than the screen itself.
b. The only computer you will ever need to buy. Ever!
c. A computer that includes a smartphone, a smart watch, and a smart pen.
d. A computer that can do anything.

9. What is the main difference between parts & components of a standard desktop computer (not
an all-in-one computer) and a laptop computer?
a. Desktop computers have unusually and comically enormously-sized components.
b. Desktop computers are designed to be heavier and larger to help act as doorstops when
they are no longer suitable for computing duties.
c. Laptop computers are designed to provide warmth to your lap and hands during cold
winter months.
d. Laptop computers have smaller components – and they are tending to get smaller over
time.

10. When it comes to wireless technologies, which statement below is false?

a. Bluetooth is named for the blue beam that it emits on user’s teeth to perform its
functions.
b. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are different wireless technologies.
c. Bluetooth is often used to connect keyboards, mice and speakers wirelessly.
d. Wi-Fi is used to connect a computer or laptop to the network.

You Can Do I.T. / Morning Hardware/Software Quiz

Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
Technology Purchase - Evaluation Guide
It pays to do your research before making a purchase. A little online research should yield a wealth of
information about the product in which you’re interested. Here are a few tips for researching product
reviews:

 Model numbers mean *a lot* even if they are similar—be sure the review you’re reading
corresponds to the correct product
 Use a diversity of review sources—don’t look to a single site or review before purchasing, read a
few different pages, and skim through user-comments in addition to formal reviews.
 Use your best powers of discernment (does the review source have a dog in the fight?)

A few popular review sources:

 http://www.tomsguide.com/
 http://www.engadget.com/reviews/
 http://www.pcmag.com/reviews
 http://www.cnet.com/reviews/
 http://www.digitaltrends.com/product-reviews/
 http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/pcs/
 http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-mac/pc-mac-desktops

Additional resources for making purchase decisions:

 http://www.techsoup.org/hardware (this is a great place to start when making any purchase

decisions)
 Not a review site, but useful as an example list of criteria for tech-purchases at a university:
https://it.ouhsc.edu/forms/productreview.asp

You Can Do I.T. / Purchase-Evaluation Guide

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Cleaning Your Computer
The following link is a wonderful, in-depth resource for specific cleaning procedures, and includes a simple quiz to help you determine how
frequently you should clean your computers: http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm

 What should I use to clean a computer? Here are a

few suggestions:
o Compressed (“canned”) air
o Soft cloth lightly dampened with water or
rubbing alcohol
o Cotton or foam swabs
 What should I avoid when cleaning a computer?
o Solvents and oils—these can damage the
plastics
o Applying liquid directly to any computer
component
o Static—a cloth with a buildup of static, a
vacuum cleaner plugged into the wall, or a
metal tool could all cause damage to the
computer
o Touching internal components such as the
motherboard with any cleaning tool.
o Putting a dog in charge of any cleaning
procedures.

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Keyboard and Mouse

 Begin by turning your computer off and unplugging

the keyboard and mouse (or simply by turning them
off and removing any batteries if they are wireless)
 First check the keyboard for any loose keys. If there
are none, the keyboard can be turned upside down
and gently shaken over a waste bin to remove some
large dirt and dust particles, food crumbs, etc.
 Use compressed air to blow remaining dust and dirt
out from under the keys.
 Gently wipe the keyboard with a cloth moistened*
with water or rubbing alcohol (*do not use anything
that will drip excess moisture onto the keyboard,
which could cause permanent damage). You can also
use certain disinfecting wipes, such as those branded
specifically for keyboard cleaning, or Lysol or Clorox
brand wipes (again, as long as the wipes do not drip
moisture).
 Mice can be cleaned with a cloth or wipes as well, but
do not wipe the trac-ball or optical sensor (on the
underside of the mouse) as disinfectant may damage
these components.

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Monitors

 Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer

screen to be difficult to read.
 Procedure: Unlike a CRT computer monitor, the LCD or LED
monitor is not glass and requires special cleaning procedures.
 DO NOT Spray any cleaners or water directly onto a flat-screen
monitor
 Use a dry and lint-free, soft cloth (cotton or microfiber) or a
disposable duster (such as Swiffer brand) to remove dust
 If the screen is spotted or soiled, it can be gently wiped with a
cloth lightly moistened with rubbing alcohol.
 CRT monitors (glass screens) can be easily scratched, so similar
rules for using a clean, lint-free cloth apply, however CRT
monitors can be wiped with glass cleaner if needed.

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Outside of the Computer

 The plastic housing of the PC components can be cleaned

with a slightly damp lint-free cloth or pre-moistened
wipe.
 Crevices and vents can be blown clean with canned air,
vacuumed with a battery-operate vacuum, or wiped clean
with cotton swabs

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Inside of the Computer

 This is the no-touching zone! Any static charge

could do permanent damage to the motherboard
or chips, so when cleaning it is best to use
compressed air to blow away dust.

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Connections and Ports

• A specific product called DeOxIT is available for multiple

applications if you are having issues with the connections and
ports looking dirty or not functioning well. The company website
details the use of specific products for specific applications, but in
a library setting the most useful product for applications such as
cleaning dirty headphone jacks and plugs or USB ports. More
information is available here:

http://store.caig.com/

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BIOS Basics
1. Upon booting, press the F12 key 2. The following screen will appear. Use the arrow keys to select “BIOS Setup”

You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics

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 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
Prepared for Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
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 You Can Do I.T. / BIOS Basics
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Computer Update Guide
Manual Updates – Operating Systems
Here is a great online resource for Windows and Mac: http://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/1418

To update your Windows 7 and 8 Operating System:

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of
results, click Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
3. If you see a message telling you that important updates are available, or telling you to review important
updates, click the message to view and select the important updates to install.
4. In the list, click the important updates for more information. Select the check boxes for any updates that
you want to install, and then click OK.
5. Click Install updates.
a. Note: Windows 10 is set to automatically install updates by default

Automatic Updates
Here is a great online resource for Windows users: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/306525

Windows 7 OS

1. Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update in the Programs list.
2. In the left pane, click Change settings.
3. Select the option that you want.
4. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive
important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about
updates check box, and then click OK.

Note – you may or may not want Windows to update itself automatically:

a. Auto updates can come at inopportune times

b. Sometimes updates can “break” some software applications, requiring updates to the software

Important Note: Mainstream support for Windows 7 stopped on Jan 13, 2015.

a. Security updates (extended support) will continue until Jan 14, 2020.
b. More info: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

You Can Do I.T. / Computer Update Guide

Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
Installing a Network Printer Guide
Step 1: manually set the IP address on your printer to and IP within a safe range on your network. For
instance, if your network is 192.168.0.x, reserve the range of .240-.250 for your printers.

 To check your network setting, open your command prompt (on Windows 7, open “Run” on
your start menu) by typing cmd in the search bar on the start menu. Next, type “ipconfig” in the
black box and press enter.

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 2: Open Device/Printer settings (On Windows 7 machines this is part of Control Panel). Select “Add
a Printer or Scanner”

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 3: Generally, the computer will be unable to find the printer. Follow the promts (these will vary by
operating system) to search manually for the printer. On Windows 10, click the gray text “the printer I
want isn’t listed.”

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 4: Select the option to “add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 5: Type in the static IP for the printer you wish to install.

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 6: the correct printer name should appear in the next dialogue box.

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 7: assign printer sharing—in most cases you will select “do not share this printer.” If you choose the
option of sharing the printer, that printer will only be available to others when the PC you are currently
using is powered on.

You Can Do I.T. / Installing a Network Printer Guide

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Step 8: check the “Set as default printer” option if you wish to use this printer as the computer’s default.
Next, print a test page to ensure the installation was a success.

Congratulations! Your printer is ready to use!

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Guide to the Rule of 3-2-1 (or “Rule of 3”)
The Rule: What is Backup media?
 Always have 3 digital copies of anything you really care about
 A hard drive (local, network, USB
 Use 2 types of backup media
or thumb drive, or cloud)
o Hard drive
o Tape  Tape
 At least 1 Copy should be stored offsite  DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R as
a backup

Catalog your library’s important data here:

Directory, File, or Group of Files File types Directory, File, or Group of Files File types

(Example) Library Strategic Plan .pdf

You Can Do I.T. / Guide to Rule of 3-2-1

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Directory, File, or Group of Files File types Directory, File, or Group of Files File types

You Can Do I.T. / Guide to Rule of 3-2-1

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Choose one file to use as an example

File/Directory or Collection Copy 1 Copy 2 Copy 3

Example: Library founder’s Location: Digital file on Director’s Location: Digital file on Director’s Location: Digital file on
oral history interview laptop laptop; laptop is backed up to Director’s laptop; laptop is
recording—original 1978 USB drive in office automatically backed up to
cassette tape has been crashplan
digitized and stored on CD-R
Media Type: Media Type: Media Type:

[]Local [_] Network [_]Local [_] Network [_]Local [_] Network

[_] Cloud [_] Cloud [] Cloud

[_] USB drive (big) [_] USB drive (big) [_] USB drive (big)

[_] USB drive (small) [] USB drive (small) [_] USB drive (small)

[_] Tape [_] Tape [_] Tape

*DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R *DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R *DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R

Local or Remote? Local or Remote? Local or Remote?

[] On-site [] On-site [_] On-site

Location(s): __laptop___ Location(s): __Thumb drive__ Location(s): ________________

[_] Off Site [_] Off Site [] Off Site

Location: __________________ Location: __________________ Location: _Crashplan_____

File/Directory or Collection Copy 1 Copy 2 Copy 3

You Can Do I.T. / Guide to Rule of 3-2-1

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 Try with your file: Location: Location: Location:

Media Type: Media Type: Media Type:

[_]Local [_] Network [_]Local [_] Network [_]Local [_] Network

[_] Cloud [_] Cloud [_] Cloud

[_] USB drive (big) [_] USB drive (big) [_] USB drive (big)

[_] USB drive (small) [_] USB drive (small) [_] USB drive (small)

[_] Tape [_] Tape [_] Tape

*DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R *DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R *DO NOT rely on CD-R or DVD-R

Local or Remote? Local or Remote? Local or Remote?

[_] On-site [_] On-site [_] On-site

Locations: _________________ Locations: _________________ Locations: _________________

[_] Off Site [_] Off Site [_] Off Site

Location: __________________ Location: __________________ Location: __________________

Do your file and it’s back-ups fit the rule of 3? (Check each box)

 Always have 3 digital copies of anything you really care about

 Use 2 types of backup media
 At least 1 Copy should be stored offsite

You Can Do I.T. / Guide to Rule of 3-2-1

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Afternoon Hardware/Software Quiz
Your Name and Library: _________________________________________________________

Show us what you’ve learned so far!

1. If you want to clean your LCD screen, which product is most useful?
a. A soft, lint-free cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol
b. Soap and water solution
c. A caustic and abrasive cleanser such as Ajax and water
d. DeOxIT

2. What does BIOS stand for?

a. Battery Is On Standby
b. Button Integrity Operation Standard
c. Barbeque Is On Shirt
d. Basic Input Output System

3. Which item below is not an example of an Operating System (OS)?

a. Microsoft Windows
b. MacOS
c. Microsoft Word
d. MS-DOS

4. What is a device driver?

a. A TXDOT safety certification program.
b. An OTR (Over the Road) trucker who specialized in hauling computer peripherals.
c. A piece of computer hardware that controls another piece of computer hardware.
d. A software program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your
computer.

5. What method below is not typically used to connect a printer to a computer?

a. Wired Ethernet connection
b. Wired USB connection
c. WiFi connection
d. Duct tape and staples

You Can Do I.T. / Afternoon Hardware/Software Quiz

Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting
6. Why are software updates necessary? (Please circle all that apply)
a. Security
b. Bug fixes
c. To help kill time between patrons
d. Performance improvements

7. True or False: Once an update is performed, you usually never have to worry about another
update again.
a. True
b. False

8. Preferably, how often should “definition updates” be performed to your desktop security
software?
a. Once per year
b. Once per month
c. Once per day
d. Updates?

9. What statement below is not part of the “Rule of 3”?

a. You need at least 3 people to perform backups properly
b. Always have 3 digital copies of anything you really care about
c. Use 2 types of backup media
d. At least 1 copy should be stored offsite

10. True or False: it’s important to test recovery of your backups.

a. True
b. False

You Can Do I.T. / Afternoon Hardware/Software Quiz

Texas State Library and Archives Commission by Carson Block Consulting