Computer Repair

Computers, like any other type of machine, can break down and need repair. If you have an already-functioning computer, see Computer Maintenance.

Basics

(in progress) A computer is a type of general-purpose digital device, that can be programmed (using software) to do many different types of tasks.

Central to a computer are 4 main components: the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.

CPU

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the part of the computer that does all the "thinking". It carries out instructions and manipulates the memory, storage and peripherals based on it.

CPUs come in a variety of bitnesses, computing architectures, and may contain multiple processor "cores" so that the CPU can multitask.

Memory

Also called RAM, the memory of a device is where all the short-term and quickly-needed data is stored, for the CPU to process. Memory is typically "volatile", as in it is destroyed when the device is powered off.

RAM is either bundled with the CPU in a SoC (System on a Chip), soldered directly to the main board of the computer, or is in a removable slot (usually either DIMM or SO-DIMM)

Storage

Storage contains data that the computer needs to boot (turn off). Storage is typically "persistent", which means it can survive being turned off.

Storage can come in magnetic tapes (cassette tapes, floppy disks), solid-state storage (SSDs, flash), and magnetic disks (HDDs).

Peripherals

Peripherals can be anything that connects to a computer, either a mouse or keyboard (Human-interface Devices), a monitor or video display, more storage, up to specialised sensors and data processing units.

Software

Typically, computers from 2000 onwards will come with either a version of Windows, Apple's OS X, or a Linux distribution. In a collapse scenario, Linux is the most recommended, as it's Free and Open Source Software enables repair and improvements to the software.

Tips

Always ground yourself before touching the circuitry of a computer.
It's a good idea to find/keep all manuals and technical documentation for computers and their parts that you own.