Unit Three: Hardware peripheral Connection
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information
regarding the following content coverage and topics:
Installation schedule
Peripherals Removing and/or Replacement
Peripherals Connection and configuration
Peripherals Testing
Installing and Configuring Hardware Peripherals
1. Installation Considerations
1.1 Appropriate Time for Installation
Client Impact: Avoid installations during critical work periods, such as
when a client is creating urgent reports. Disruption can lead to unsafe
working conditions.
Scheduling: Ensure installations are scheduled:
o During quiet periods (e.g., holidays)
o Before or after normal office hours
o When the client is out of the office
o During periods when the client does not need their computer
1.2 Environmental and Safety Considerations
Installation Duration: The time required for installation can vary based on
several factors, including device type and troubleshooting needs.
Logging Installations: Keep records of past installations to estimate future
installation times and minimize user disruption.
Client Communication: Always notify clients about scheduling changes to
avoid conflicts with their workloads.
2. Removing and Replacing Old Peripherals
2.1 General Steps
Disconnect old peripherals and connect new ones via USB.
For optimal performance, follow these steps:
o Connect Hardware: Ensure all physical connections are secure.
o Install Software Drivers: Use the most recent drivers, whether from
a disk or downloaded from the internet.
o Test the Peripheral: Verify that the new device functions correctly.
Recommended configurations that you should do:-
Connecting Peripherals
Connect the hardware
Install the software drivers
Test the peripheral
Peripheral Software Drivers
Driver software: allows computer to recognize new hardware
windows has it for common hardware e.g. modem
if comes with ‘disk’ use it as it is more recent
if on internet check ‘readme.txt’ file first – latest drivers
peripheral manual guides to installation process OR ‘control panel’
Installing the Drivers for Peripheral Configurations
Drivers for monitors on windows drivers otherwise you wouldn’t be able to
see. But if specific, install by:-
Plug and Play
- Plug and play is a hardware technology that enables many
operating systems to automatically recognise new hardware
devices and configure them automatically. Most USB devices
support plug and play (PnP devices).
- Computer will recognize new device when turned on and
connected, under screen
Wizard chooses between automatic/manual installations.
Automatic detection
If monitor not plug and play compatible, under control panel Double
click on ‘install
new hardware.
Manual Detection
If select ‘no’ to automatic detection, you will be asked to choose type of
device, If have a software driver click ‘have disk’ , Installation will
proceed, then backup any system files changed during installation
‘readme.txt/ file contains.
2.2 Driver Installation
Plug and Play: Most USB devices support automatic recognition and
configuration.
Manual Installation: If automatic detection fails, use the control panel to
manually install the device.
3. Connecting and Configuring New Peripherals
3.1 Installation Procedures
Cabling: Connect all necessary cables securely.
Driver Software: Install appropriate drivers for configuration.
Troubleshooting: Address any installation issues as they arise.
Customization: Adjust settings as necessary and keep drivers updated.
Testing: Ensure the device meets client requirements.
3.2 Safety Precautions
Always unplug the power before connecting peripherals to prevent electrical
hazards.
4. Testing Hardware Peripherals
4.1 Functionality Testing
Conduct tests for basic functions (e.g., printing a test page) and critical client
requirements.
Potential Tests:
o Printer: Test paper handling, software compatibility, and print
quality.
o Scanner: Assess image resolution, software functionality, and
handling of various media types.
Printer: Printer functions that may be tested are:-
Can the printer handle different paper types (for example A4, A5,
foolscap, thick, thin, overhead transparencies)?
Will the printer work successfully on different computers?
Will the printer work successfully with different software packages (for
example, word processing, spread sheets and desktop publishing)?
Is black and white print quality acceptable to clients?
Is colour print quality acceptable to clients?
Scanner : Scanner functions that may be tested are:-
Is the resolution of a scanned image an acceptable quality?
Does the scanner work correctly with different software packages (e.g.
a word
processor or desktop publishing package)?
Can the scanner handle items of unusual size and thickness (e.g. a large
book or
cardboard poster)?
Does the OCR software scan a document successfully?
Will the scanner work successfully on other computers?
4.2 Developing a Test Plan
A test plan should include:
Functions to Test: Outline all necessary functionalities.
Test Case Scenarios: Create realistic scenarios simulating actual usage.
Expected vs. Actual Results: Document outcomes to identify any
discrepancies.
Next ---- Unit 4
