Understanding Computer Architecture for Troubleshooting
Subject: Fundamental Of Computer Troubleshooting (VU-CYB 203)
When troubleshooting software or computer issues, it’s important to understand how computers are built and how they work internally. This section explains the basic components, how processes work, and common problems related to memory and storage.
How Computers Work
A computer has three major internal parts:
CPU (Central Processing Unit): the “brain” of the computer. It executes instructions and performs calculations.
Memory (RAM): temporary working space used to store data the CPU needs immediately. If RAM is full, the computer slows down or freezes.
Storage (HDD/SSD): long-term storage for files, apps, and the operating system.
These three components work together constantly: the storage holds data, RAM loads it temporarily, and the CPU processes it.
Process Management
Process A process is a running program. For example, when you open Chrome, your computer creates several Chrome processes, each process uses CPU time and memory.
Threads A process can contain multiple threads, which are like tiny workers inside a program. They allow the program to do many things at once (e.g., loading a webpage while playing a video).
Common Process Issues Troubleshooters often see:
- High CPU usage
- Too many background processes
- Programs not responding
- Zombie or stuck processes
Fixes include ending the process, restarting the app, or freeing system resources.