IT 322 — Protecting Yourself and Your PC (Lesson 1) Flashcards

Front

Screwdriver

Back

A basic hand tool used to tighten or loosen screws. PC repair often requires multiple tip types such as flathead, Phillips, and TORX to match different fasteners.

Front

Torx

Back

A screwdriver tip shaped like a star used primarily on laptops and electronics. Torx screws provide better torque transfer and reduce cam-out compared to Phillips heads.

Front

Hex driver

Back

Also called a nut driver, it tightens or loosens hexagonal nuts and standoffs. Useful for fastening hardware where a socket or wrench would otherwise be needed.

Front

Tweezers

Back

Small precision tool used to handle tiny components like jumpers or screws in confined spaces. Tweezers make assembly and disassembly easier without damaging parts.

Front

Chip extractor

Back

A tool for safely removing integrated circuits or chips from sockets without bending pins. It reduces risk of physical damage to the component or board.

Front

Multimeter

Back

A measuring instrument that checks voltage, current, and resistance. In PC repair, it helps verify outlet voltage and power supply connector voltages to diagnose power issues.

Front

Loopback adapter

Back

A diagnostic tool used to test the functionality of ports (serial, network, etc.) by looping signals back to the device. It isolates port problems from other system faults.

Front

Live DVD/USB

Back

Bootable media that runs an operating system directly without installing it on the hard drive. Useful for data recovery, troubleshooting, and repairing systems that won't boot.

Front

ESD

Back

Electrostatic discharge is a sudden flow of electricity between charged objects and can irreparably damage electronic components. It is mitigated with grounding straps, mats, antistatic bags, and humidity control.

Front

EMI

Back

Electromagnetic interference is unwanted electrical noise from external sources that disrupts device operation. Unlike ESD, EMI is ongoing interference rather than a sudden static discharge.

Front

ESD wrist strap

Back

A wearable grounding strap that connects your body to the computer chassis or earth ground to dissipate static safely. It typically contains a resistor to limit current and provide constant grounding while working.

Front

ESD mat

Back

A grounded surface placed on a workbench to provide a common grounding point for components and tools. It reduces static buildup on the workstation and protects parts during repair.

Front

Antistatic bag

Back

A protective bag used to transport or store electronic components to shield them from ESD. These bags often have dissipative or conductive layers to prevent charge buildup.

Front

MSDS

Back

Material Safety Data Sheet describes hazardous chemicals and safe handling procedures for materials used in equipment and consumables. It provides composition, hazards, and disposal guidance.

Front

Power supply unit

Back

A PSU converts AC from the wall (commonly 120V) into DC voltages used by computer components, such as $3.3\,V$, $5\,V$, and $12\,V$. PSUs contain capacitors that can retain dangerous charge after unplugging.

Front

CRT

Back

Cathode ray tube monitor technology that can retain very high voltages (tens of thousands of volts). Servicing CRTs is dangerous and should be left to qualified professionals or recycling centers.

Front

Batteries

Back

Contain metals like nickel and cadmium that are harmful to the environment and must be recycled per local and federal regulations. Do not dispose of batteries in regular trash to avoid contamination.

Front

Ergonomics

Back

The study and design of equipment to reduce user discomfort and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Proper ergonomics includes posture, chair selection, keyboard/mouse placement, and regular breaks.

Front

RSI

Back

Repetitive strain injury affects muscles and tendons due to repeated motions or poor posture; common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Prevention focuses on ergonomics and breaks.

Front

Wrist rest

Back

A cushioned support placed in front of a keyboard or mouse to keep wrists in a neutral position and reduce strain. It can help prevent discomfort during extended typing sessions.