The mouse, the lights and the fire alarm
One user says, "My mouse has stopped." Next, "The meeting room lights will not come on." Then another: "The fire alarm panel shows a fault."
All three are things a support team may be asked about. Each is a device with its own faults.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Peripheral | a device you connect to a computer, such as a mouse or printer |
| Smart card | a card with a chip that holds data, used to prove who you are |
| Magnetic reader | a reader for the black stripe on the back of a card |
| Chip reader | a reader for the metal chip on a card |
| Internet of things | everyday objects that connect to the internet |
| Smart building | a building whose alarms, meters and lights are connected and controlled by computer |
| Meter | a device that measures how much water or power is used |
| Sensor | a part that measures something, such as heat or movement |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can name the peripherals and internet of things devices that a support system covers.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Peripherals: input, output and storage
A peripheral is a device you connect to a computer. Input devices send data in: a mouse, a keyboard, a scanner. Output devices send data out: a monitor, a printer, speakers, a projector. Storage drives keep data.
Three more read cards. A magnetic reader reads the stripe. A chip reader reads the chip. A smart card reader reads a card that proves who you are, often for a door or a login.
Peripherals and faults
| Peripheral | What it does | Typical first check |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse | Moves the pointer | Battery, cable, USB port |
| Keyboard | Types letters | Cable, wireless link, spilt drink |
| Monitor | Shows the picture | Power, video cable, input setting |
| Printer or scanner | Prints or scans pages | Paper, ink, queue, cable |
| Speakers | Play sound | Volume, cable, output chosen |
| Projector | Shows the screen on a wall | Cable, input, lamp |
| Storage drive | Keeps files | Cable, power, drive seen in the system |
| Magnetic or chip reader | Reads a payment or ID card | Clean the reader, check the card |
| Smart card reader | Reads a card to log in or open a door | Software, card, port |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check: peripherals
Have a go
Check: peripherals
4 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.