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Understanding
Your PC - Part 2
Last
edition we talked about your computer’s case and its
functions. In this edition we will begin our look at
the components inside the case.
The Power Supply
Your
computer is a sensitive electronic machine, and to run
efficiently, all its components must have a good
supply of clean electricity. To provide this is the
job of your computer’s power supply.
The
power supply is the large rectangular gray or silver
box inside your computer’s case. It is usually at
the rear top of tower cases and on the back right side
of desktop cases. The power supply has two primary
functions. The first is to step down the 240 volt
mains power to 12 volt DC, and distribute this to the
different components in your PC. This step down
process produces a lot of heat, and so your power
supply is fitted with at least one fan to keep it
cool.
The
second primary function of the power supply is to not
only step down the voltage, but to filter the incoming
voltage as well. As many of you are already aware, the
mains power supply to your house or business is not a
steady voltage, but is subject to fluctuation. This
‘up and down’ in voltage supply is usually handled
without problem by most of your other household
appliances; but this is not so with your computer. The
power supply is designed to filter out minor
fluctuations in voltage, thus supplying a steady,
clean source of power to all the computer components.
However,
while your PC’s power supply can filter out
fluctuations in voltage, it is somewhat limited in how
much fluctuation it can handle. In a lightning storm,
or when work is being done on the lines in your area,
any major fluctuations in power will short out your PC’s
power supply. Therefore it is a very good idea to have
a surge protector installed on the same power outlet
that your computer is using.
An
even better protection idea is to purchase an
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This device not
only protects against major power surges, but will top
up any voltage drops from its internal battery. This
way your PC will always have a clean steady source of
power. Another advantage of having a UPS is that when
the power mains supply fails, the computer can still
run for up to 20 minutes afterwards, so you can save
your work and close the PC down.
As
always, dust is a major enemy of your PC’s power
supply. The static electricity around the power supply
attracts dust, which interrupts the flow of air
through the power supply. The heat generated by the
power supply builds up, weakening the circuitry, and
thus shortening the life of the power supply. It is a
good idea, when getting your PC serviced, to get the
dust removed, and thus extend the life of your power
supply.
For
more information on your computer, or to have your PC
serviced, please contact us on 0419 790 071, or email
us at info@mcsyarraman.com.au. We are happy to provide
to you a complete, professional, and friendly computer
service.
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