Study Lab for Chapter 13

Use the "Key Terms and Definitions" section of the lab to review terms used in this chapter. Try the "Practice Test" to check your comprehension of the chapter. Tackle the "Lab Exercises" to apply your knowledge.

Key Terms and Definitions

AC (alternating current)

Devices that use AC current are potential shock hazards, including some types of printers, monitors , and computer power supplies .

antistatic

A product that prevents the buildup of static electricity.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)

A type of low-power construction used for chips. CMOS-based chips are very vulnerable to ESD.

DC (direct current)

Safe at low voltages, but dangerous at the high voltages used by laser printers.

ESD (electro-static discharge )

The discharge of electricity between two objects with different electrical potential.

Faraday cage

Type of antistatic electronics storage bag with a metalized exterior.

MSDS (material safety data sheet)

A document provided by a vendor to provide information about potential hazards, use, and disposal of a product.

recycling

Sending a consumable product such as a toner or inkjet cartridge back to a vendor who can rebuild the product or reuse its components .

suspend mode

A computer power-saving mode that uses very little power, but enough power is present to cause damage to components that are disconnected if the AC power cord is connected to the system.

wrist strap

A device with a resistor and an alligator clip; wear it and connect the alligator clip to an unpainted metal part of the computer to avoid ESD.

Practice Test

1:	Which of the following is not recommended for use in cleaning computers and peripherals? (Choose all correct answers) Vacuum cleaner (standard type) Cotton cleaning swabs Antistatic electronics wipes Compressed air
2:	You should contact your local EPA office to determine which of the following? (Choose all correct answers) Where to get the MSDS for a particular product Where to dispose of batteries Where to dispose of monitors Where to dispose of containers used for toxic material
3:	Which of the following is not covered on a product's MSDS? (Choose one) Safe storage practices Suggested uses Chemical composition Safe disposal methods
4:	You are upgrading the motherboard in a computer. Where should you attach the alligator clip on your wrist strap? (Choose one) Existing motherboard's voltage regulator Unpainted metal on the system case The ground (round) lead on the surge suppressor The new motherboard's ZIF socket lever
5:	Which of the following is true about power supplies? (Choose all correct answers) You should discharge the coil before servicing the power supply. You should open the power supply to locate the coil for discharge. Power supplies contain potentially lethal AC voltage levels, even after they have been turned off. Power supplies don't have user -serviceable components inside.

Lab Exercises

Required equipment : ESD protection, Internet connection, telephone directory, antistatic cleaning wipes

1. Call local EPA office to determine safe disposal locations for Ni-Cad batteries; verify information with one or more locations provided.

2. Call local toner cartridge recyclers to determine costs of recycling and prices paid for empties.

3. Download MSDSs for consumables used in your office and review.

4. Use antistatic cleaning cloths on keyboards, monitors, and other components.

Answers to Practice Test

A1:	Answers A and B are correct. You should not use a standard vacuum cleaner to clean a PC (a computer-grade model is safe, however). You should not use cotton cleaning swabs because they leave lint behind. Use foam swabs instead.
A2:	Answers B and D are correct. The EPA can tell you about local programs for safe battery and toxic-container disposal.
A3:	Answer B is correct. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) doesn't cover a product's use.
A4:	Answer B is correct. Unpainted metal on the system case provides a good connection for an alligator clip. The other locations are ineffective (motherboard) or potentially dangerous (surge suppressor).
A5:	Answers C and D are correct. Power supplies contain potentially lethal levels of AC current and have no user-serviceable components inside. Never touch or try to discharge the coil (discharging the coil is a monitor-servicing technique).